Tear resistant gel articles for various uses

ABSTRACT

A soft gelatinous elastomer composition and article useful as fishing bait, floss, liner and other uses formed from one or a mixture of two or more of a one or a mixture of two or more of a hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) and one or more plasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram BlooField of the Invention.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of the followingapplications: Ser. No. 08/863,794, filed May 27, 1997; Ser. No.08/909,487, filed Jul. 12, 1997; Ser. No. 08/984,459, filed Dec. 3,1997; Ser. No. 09/130,545, filed Aug. 8, 1998; Ser. No. 09/274,498,filed Mar. 23, 1999; Ser. No. 09/285,809, filed Apr. 1, 1999; Ser. No.09/412,886, filed Oct. 5, 1999; Ser. No. 09/517,230, filed Mar. 2, 2000;Ser. No. 09/721,213 filed Nov. 21, 2001; Ser. No. 09/896,047 filed Jun.30, 2001; Ser. No. 10/199,361 filed Jul. 20, 2002; Ser. No. 10/199,362filed Jul. 20, 2002; Ser. No. 10/199,363 filed Jul. 20, 2002; Ser. No.10/199,364 filed Jul. 20, 2002; Ser. No. 10/273,828 filed Oct. 17, 2002;Ser. No. 10/299,073 filed Nov. 18, 2002; Ser. No. 10/334,542 filed Dec.31, 2002; Ser. No. 10/420,089 filed Apr. 21, 2002; Ser. No. 10/420,487filed Apr. 21, 2003; Ser. No. 10/420,488 filed Apr. 21, 2003; Ser. No.10/420,490 filed Apr. 21, 2003; Ser. No. 10/420,491 filed Apr. 21, 2003;Ser. No. 10/420,492 filed Apr. 21, 2003; Ser. No. 10/420,493 filed Apr.21, 2003; Ser. No. 10/613,567, filed Jul. 2, 2003; Ser. No. 10/675,509,filed Sep. 30, 2003; PCT/US97/17534, filed 30 Sep. 1997; U.S. Ser. No.08/719,817 filed Sep. 30, 1996; U.S. Ser. No. 08/665,343 filed Jun. 17,1996 which is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/612,586 filedMar. 8, 1996 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,109); PCT/US94/04278 filed Apr.19, 1994 (published May 26, 1995 No. WO95/13851); PCT/US94/07314 filedJun. 27, 1994 (published Jan. 4, 1996 No. WO 96/00118); Ser. No.08/288,690 filed Aug. 11, 1994; Ser. No. 08/581,188 filed Dec. 29, 1995;Ser. No. 08/581,191 filed Dec. 29, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,527. Inturn U.S. Ser. Nos. 08/581,188; 581,191; and 08/581,125 (now U.S. Pat.No. 5,962,572) are continuation-in-parts of the following applications:Ser. Nos.: 08/288,690, filed Aug. 11, 1994 (now U.S. Pat. No.5,633,286); PCT/US94/07314 filed Jun. 27, 1994 (CIP of PCT/US94/04278,filed 19 Apr. 1994). The subject matter contained in the relatedapplications and patents are specifically incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to fishing baits and other gel articles ofmanufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a soft, tear resistant gelatinouselastomer article useful as fishing bait. The various embodiments of thepresent invention gel articles are as follows:

1. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) a selected plasticizer being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gelrigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; incombination with or without

(IV) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

2. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more plasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve agel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; incombination with or without

(IV) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

3. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; in combination withor without

(IV) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

4. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one; and from

(II) about 300 to about 1,600 parts by weight of a plasticizing oil; andin combination with or without

(III) a selected amount of one or more polvmers or copolymers ofpoly(styrene butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-butadiene)n,poly(styrene-isoorene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-isoprene)n,poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethyleneethylene-propylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene)poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene),poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n,poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene,poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-butylene), polypropylene, orpolyethylene, wherein said selected copolymer is a linear, radial,star-shaped, branched or multiarm copolymer, wherein n is greater thanone; in combination with or without

(IV) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

5. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises: (I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture oftwo or more of a hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) selected from SEB, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS,SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, and SEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlleddistribution styrene block copolymer(s) being a linear. radial,star-shaped, branched or multiarm copolymer, wherein n is greater thanone;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gelatinouselastomer composition being in combination with or without

(III) a fatty acid minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one ormore component(s) of foodstuff(s).

6. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gelatinouselastomer composition in combination with or without one or moreselected polymers or copolymers;

said second plasticizers being in effective amounts in combination withsaid first plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone;

said second plasticizers for said gelatinious composition to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same regidity formed from said first plasticizers alone or formedfrom a combination of said first plasticizers and said secondplasticizers; in combination with or without

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

7. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial. star-shaped. branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gelatinouselastomer composition in combination with or without one or moreselected polymers or copolymers;

said second plasticizers being in effective amounts in combination withsaid first plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone;

said second plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone or formedfrom a combination of said first plasticizers and said secondplasticizers; and

said fishing bait being life like, soft, flexible, capable of exhibitingbuoyancy in water; in combination with or without

-   -   (III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or more        component(s) of foodstuff(s).

8. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial. star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gelatinouselastomer composition in combination with or without one or moreselected polymers or copolymers;

said fishing bait being life like, soft, flexible, capable of exhibitingbuoyancy in water, and having a elongation greater than 500%;

said fishing bait being rupture resistant to dynamic stretching,shearing, resistant to ball-up during casting, resistant to tearingencountered during hook penetration, casting, and presentation;

said fishing bait capable of exhibiting a success hook to catch ratiogreater than 5, and

said fishing bait having greater elongation, greater tear resistance, orgreater fatigue resistance than a conventional plastisol polyvinylchloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity; in combination with orwithout

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

9. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial. star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom;

said gelatinous elastomer composition have a greater temperaturecompression heat set as determined for 1.0 hour at 50° C. in 180° U bendthan a conventional plastisol polyvinyl chloride fishing bait ofcorresponding rigidity; in combination with or without

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

10. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom;

said fishing bait having greater resistant to tearing encountered duringhook penetration followed by elongation to 200% as compared to aconventional plastisol polyvinyl chloride fishing bait of correspondingrigidity; in combination with or without

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

11. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial. star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gelatinouselastomer composition in combination with or without one or moreselected polymers or copolymers;

said second plasticizers being in effective amounts in combination withsaid first plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone;

said second plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone or formedfrom a combination of said first plasticizers and said secondplasticizers; in combination with or without

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

12. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial. star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one; (II) one or more firstplasticizers with or without one or more second plasticizers being insufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloomto about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gelatinous elastomer composition incombination with or without one or more selected polymers or copolymers;

said second plasticizers being in effective amounts in combination withsaid first plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone;

said second plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone or formedfrom a combination of said first plasticizers and said secondplasticizers; in combination with or without

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s);

and said fishing bait being life like, soft, flexible, capable ofexhibiting buoyancy in water.

13. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial. star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom: said gelatinouselastomer composition in combination with or without one or moreselected polymers or copolymers; in combination with or without

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s); said fishing bait being life like, soft,flexible, capable of exhibiting buoyancy in water, and having aelongation greater than 500%;

said fishing bait being rupture resistant to dynamic stretching,shearing, resistant to ball-up during casting, resistant to tearingencountered during hook penetration, casting, and presentation;

said fishing bait capable of exhibiting a success hook to catch ratiogreater than 5, and

said fishing bait having greater elongation areater tear resistance, orgreater fatigue resistance than a conventional plastisol polyvinylchloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

14. A fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer compositionformed from comprises:

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) a selected plasticizer being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gelrigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; incombination with or without

(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s).

15. A floss comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer composition formedfrom

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial. star-shaped. branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom.

16. A composite article comprising a gel, G, in contact with one or moreof a selected substrate material, M, said gelatinous elastomercomposition comprising a soft gel formed from

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gel formed incombination with or without

(iii) a selected amount of one or more polymers or copolymers ofpoly(styrene butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-butadiene)n,poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene)n, poly(styrene-isoprene)n,poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethyleneethylene-propylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene),poly (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene),poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene), poly (styrene-ethylene-propylene)n,poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene,poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-butylene), polypropylene, orpolyethylene, polyethylene copolymers selected from ultra low densitypoly(ethylene octene-1 copolymers) and copolymers of ethylene andhexene, poly(ethylene styrene) interpolymer made by metallocenecatalysts, using single site, constrained geometry additionpolymerization catalysts including terpolymers ofpoly(ethylene/styrene/propylene),poly(ethylene/styrene/4-methyl-1-pentene),poly(ethylene/styrene/hexend-1, ethylene/styrene/octene-1),poly(ethylene/styrene/norbornene), wherein said selected copolymer is alinear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarm copolymer, wherein nis greater than one; and wherein said composite formed from thecombination GnMn, GnMnMnGn, GnGnMnMn, GnMnGnMnMn, GnMnGn, MnGnMn,GnGnMn, MnMnMnGn, MnMnGn, MnGnGnMn, GnMnGnGn, GnMnMnGn, GnGnMn Mn,GnGnMnGnMn, GnMnGnMnMn, MnGnMnGnMnGn, GnGnMnMnGn, GnGnMnGnMnGn, asequential addition or a permutation of one or more of said Gn with Mn;wherein when n is a subscript of M, n is the same or different selectedfrom the group consisting of foam, plastic, fabric, metal, concrete,wood, glass, ceramics, synthetic resin, synthetic fibers or refractorymaterials; and wherein when n is a subscript of G, n denotes the same ora different gel rigidity.

17. A gel composite according of 16 formed into a gel hand exercisinggrip, a gel shape floss suitable for use as a dental floss, a gel crutchcushion, a gel cervical pillow, a gel bed wedge pillow, a gel leg rest,a gel neck cushion, a gel mattress, a gel bed pad, a gel elbow pad, agel dermal pad, a gel wheelchair cushion, a gel helmet liner, a gel coldand hot pack, a gel exercise weight belt, a gel traction pad or belt, agel cushion for splints, a gel sling, a gel brace for the hand, wrist,finger, forearm, knee, leg, clavicle, shoulder, foot, ankle, neck, back,rib, a gel sole for orthopedic shoe, a gel shaped toy article, a geloptical cladding for cushioning optical fibers from bending stresses,gel swab tip, a gel fishing bate, a gel seal against pressure, a gelthread, a gel strip, a gel yarn, a gel tape, a weave gel cloth, a gelfabrics, a gel balloon for valvuloplasty of the mitral valve, a geltrointestinal balloon dilator, a gel esophageal balloon dilator, a geldilating balloon catheter use in coronary angiogram, a gel condom, a geltoy balloon, a gel surgical and examination glove, a self sealingenclosures for splicing electrical and telephone cables and wires, a gelfilm, or a gel liner for a helmet, a face mask, a sock, a glove, anamputee prosthesis, an apparel for wear by and on a human body.

18. A composite according of 16 formed into a gel liner for lower limbor above the knee amputee prosthesis formed by injection molding,extruding, spinning, casting, or dipping of said gel.

19. A liner comprising a soft gelatinous elastomer composition formedfrom

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n is greater than one;

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; said gel formed agel liner for lower limb or above the knee amputee prosthesis formed byinjection molding, extruding, spinning, casting, or dipping of said gel.

20. A composite according of 16 formed into a gel liner for lower limbor above the knee amputee prosthesis formed by injection molding,extruding, spinning, casting, or dipping of said gel; said liner forlower extremity prosthesis for lower extremity socket insert, aboveknee, for socket insert, multi-durometer, below the knee, for belowknee, cuff suspension interface, for below knee, above knee, socketinsert, suction suspension with locking mechanism type devices.

(I) 100 parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of ahydrogenated styrene block copolymer(s);

(II) one or more first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity offrom about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom;

said gelatinous elastomer composition in combination with or without oneor more selected (III) polymers or copolymers;

said first plasticizers being in effective amounts for said gelatinouscompositions to have a Gram Tack lower than a gelatinous compositionhaving the same rigidity formed from said second plasticizers alone;

said second plasticizers being in effective amounts in combination withsaid first plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone;

said second plasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from said first plasticizers alone or formedfrom a combination of said first plasticizers and said secondplasticizers;

said first plasticizers being in effective amounts with said secondplasticizers for said gelatinous compositions to have a Gram Tack lowerthan a gelatinous composition having the same rigidity formed from saidsecond plasticizers alone;

said selected polymers being in effective amounts for said gelatinouscompositions to have a Gram Tack lower than a gelatinous compositionhaving the same rigidity formed from said block copolymers andcorresponding said first plasticizers alone or said first plasticizerswith said second plasticizers;

said selected (III) polymers or copolymers being in effective amountsfor said gelatinous compositions to have a greater temperaturecompression set than a gelatinous composition having the same rigidityformed from said block copolymers and corresponding said firstplasticizers alone or said first plasticizers with said secondplasticizers; and

said fishing bait being life like, soft, flexible, capable of exhibitingbuoyancy in water, and having low tack;

said fishing bait being rupture resistant to dynamic stretching,shearing, resistant to ball-up during casting, resistant to tearingencountered during hook penetration, casting, and presentation;

said fishing bait capable of exhibiting a success hook to catch ratiogreater than 5, and

said fishing bait having greater elongation, greater tear resistance, orgreater fatigue resistance than a conventional plastisol polyvinylchloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

The various aspects of the invention gel compositions and articles madefrom the invention gel compositions will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon consideration of the accompanying disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2 a–2 d, 3 a–3 n, and 4 a–4 w are representative composites ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A internet search of the USPTO Patent Data Base of Applicant's publishedpatent applications and issued patent describing gel compositions usefulfor fishing identified: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,161,555, 6,333,374; 6,324,703;6,148,830; 6,117,176; 6,050,871; 5,884,639; 5,508,334; 5,334,646;5,262,468; 5,153,254; PCT/US97/17534, PCT/US94/04278 and PCT/US94/07314which are incorporated herein by reference. FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3 a, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12 a, 13, 13 a, 14, 14 a, 15, 15 a, 16, 17, 18, 18a, 19, 19 a, 20, 20 a, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 25 a, 26, 26 a, 27, 27 a, 28a, 28 b, 29, 29 a, 29 b, 29 c, 29 d, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,and 39 are representative of fishing bait shapes of my copendingapplication Ser. No. 10/199,364 filed Jul. 20, 2003 are incorporatedherein by reference.

A search of the internet USPTO Patent Data Base for “fishing lure” andrattles, “rattle pocket”, “soft plastic lure” and rattle, “soft plasticfishing lure”, “plastic fishing lure”, “rubber fishing lure”, “elastomerfishing lure”, “soft plastic fishing lure”, kraton and “fishing lure”,soft and “fishing bait” produced the following list of patent documents:U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,958,358; 3,964,204; 3,971,152; 3,988,851; 4,047,320;4,094,087; 4,144,665; 4,203,246; 4,205,476; 4,437,257; 4,468,881;4,492,054; 4,505,952; 4,528,770; 4,551,333; 4,589,222; 4,592,161;4,592,161; 4,650,245; 4,652,048; 4,664,857; 4,744,169; 4,745,700;4,750,290; 4,790,100; 4,823,497; 4,831,770; 4,835,897; 4,841,665;4,854,070; 4,862,628; 4,873,783; 4,893,430; 4,916,850; 4,920,686;4,976,060; 4,993,183; 5,001,856; 5,038,513; 5,070,639; 5,081,787;5,197,221; 5,201,784; 5,203,103; 5,209,007; 5,216,831; 5,230,178;5,251,395; 5,266,323; 5,270,044; 5,297,354; 5,321,906; 5,333,405;5,347,744; 5,355,613; 5,394,638; 5,412,901; 5,426,886; 5,461,815;5,499,471; 5,517,782; 5,537,770; 5,586,405; 5,600,916; 5,632,113;5,638,631; 5,653,458; 5,661,921; 5,709,047; 5,887,379; 5,926,994;5,930,937; 5,934,006; 5,941,010; 5,943,811; 5,953,849; 5,956,886;5,956,888; 5,960,578; 5,960,580; 6,035,574; 6,041,540; 6,061,948;6,063,324; 6,082,038; 6,094,855; 6,101,636; 6,105,304; 6,108,963;6,112,450; 6,113,968; 6,123,016; 6,170,190; 6,173,523; 6,176,033;6,182,391; 6,192,616; 6,192,618; 6,199,312; 6,205,697; 6,251,466;6,266,915; 6,266,916; 6,269,586; 6,272,786; 6,293,779; 6,301,822;6,301,823; and 6,305,118 which are incorporated herein by reference.

Block and other copolymers are described in the following publications:

(1) W. P. Gergen, “Uniqueness of Hydrogenated Block Copolymers forElastomeric Application,” presented at the German Rubber Meeting,Wiesbaden, 1983; Kautsch, Gummi, Kunstst. 37, 284 (1984). (2) W. P.Gergen, et al., “Hydrogenated Block Copolymers,” Paper No. 57, presentedat a meeting of the Rubber Division ACS, Los Angeles, Apr. 25, 1985.Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 2, pp 324–434,“Block Copolymers”. (3) L. Zotteri and et al., “Effect of hydrogenationon the elastic properties of poly(styrene-b-diene-b-styrene)copolymers”, Polymer, 1978, Vol. 19, April. (4) J. Kenneth Craver, etal., Applied Polymer Science, Ch. 29, “Chemistry and Technology of BlockPolymers”, pp. 394–429, 1975. (5) Y. Mahajer and et al., “The influenceof Molecular Geometry on the Mechanical Properties of homopolymers andBlock Polymers of Hydrogenated Butadiene and Isoprene” reported underU.S. ARO Grant No. DAAG29-78-G-0201. (6) J. E. McGrath, et al., “Linearand Star Branched Butadiene-Isoprene Block Copolymers and TheirHydrogenated Derivatives”, Chem. Dept, Virginia Polytechnic Instituteand State University Blacksturg, Va., reported work supported by ArmyResearch Office. (7) Legge, Norman R., “Thermoplastic Elastomers”,Charles Goodyear Medal address given at the 131st Meeting of the RubberDivision, American Chemical Society, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Vol. 60,G79–G115, May 26–29, 1987. (8) Falk, John Carl, and et al., “Synthesisand Properties of Ethylene-Butylene-1 Block Copolymers”, Macromolecules,Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 152–154, March–April 1971. (9) Morton, Maurice, andet al., “Elastomeric Polydiene ABA Triblock Copolymers withinCrystalline End Blocks”, University of Arkon, work supported by GrantNo. DMR78-09024 from the National Science Foundation and ShellDevelopment Co. (10) Yee, A. F., and et al., “Modification of PS byS-EB-S Block Copolymers: Effect of Block Length”, General ElectricCorporate Research & Development, Schenectady, N.Y. 12301. (11)Siegfried, D. L., and et al., “Thermoplastic Interpenetrating PolymerNetworks of a Triblock Copolymer elastomer and an Ionomeric PlasticMechanical Behavior”, Polymer Engineering and Science, January 1981,Vol. 21, No. 1, pp 39–46. (12) Clair, D. J., “S-EB-S Copolymers ExhibitImproved Wax Compatibility”, Adhesives Age, November, 1988. (13) ShellChemical Technical Bulletin SC: 1102-89, “Kraton® Thermoplastic Rubbersin oil gels”, April 1989. (14) Chung P. Park and George P. Clingerman,“Compatibilization of Polyethylene-Polystyrene Blends withEthylene-Styrene Random Copolymers”, the Dow Chemical Company, May 1996.(15) Steve Hoenig, Bob Turley and Bill Van Volkenburgh, “MaterialProperties and Applications of Ethylene-Styrene Interpolymers”, the DowChemical Company, September 1996. (16) Y. Wilson Cheung and Martin J.Guest, “Structure, Thermal Transitions and Mechanical Properties ofEthylene/Styrene Copolymers”, the Dow Chemical Company, May 1996. (17)Teresa Plumley Karjaia, Y. Wilson Cheung and Martin J. Guest, “MeltRheology and Processability of Ethylene/Styrene Interpolymers”, the DowChemical Company, May 1997. (18) D. C. Prevorsek, et al., “Origins ofDamage Tolerance in Ultrastrong Polyethylene Fibers and Composites:,Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Symposia No. 75, 81–104 (1993). (19)Chen, H., et al, “Classification of Ethylene-Styrene Interpolymers Basedon Comonomer Content”, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 1998, 70, 109. (20–24) U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,872,201; 5,460,818; 5,244,996; EP 415815A; JP07,278,230describes substantially random, more appropriately presudo-randomcopolymers (interpolymers), methods of making and their uses. (25)Alizadeh, et al., “Effect of Topological Constraints on TheCrystallization Behavior of Ethylene/alp[ha-Olefin Copolymers”, PMSE,Vol, 81, pp. 248–249, Aug. 22–26, 1999. (26) Guest, et al.,“Structure/Property Relationships of Semi-Crystalline Ethylene-StyreneInterpolymers (ESI)”, PMSE, Vol, 81, pp.371–372, Aug. 22–26, 1999. (27)A. Weill and R. Pixa, in Journal of Polymer Science Symposium, 58,381–394 (1977), titled: “Styrene-diene Triblock Copolymers: OrientationConditions and Mechanical Properties of the Oriented Materials” describetechniques of orientation of neat SIS and SBS block copolymers and theirproperties. (28) Elastomeric Thermoplastic, Vol. 5, pages 416–430; BlockCopolymers, Vol. 2, pages 324; Block and Graft Copolymers; Styrene-DieneBlock Copolymers, Vol. 15, pages 508–530; and Microphase Structure, canbe found in ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, 1987. (29)Legge, N. R, et al., Chemistry and Technology of Block Polymers, Ch. 29,pages 394–429, ACS, Organic Coatings and Plastics Chemistry,© 1975. (30)Legge, N. R., Thermoplastic Elastomers, Rubber Chemistry and Technology,Vol. 60, pages G79–117. (31) Lindsay, G. A., et al., Morphology of LowDensity Polyethylene/EPDM Blends Having Tensile Strength Synergism,source: unknown. (32) Cowie, J. M. G., et al., Effect of Casting on theStress-Hardening and Stress-Softening Characteristics of Kraton-G 1650Copolymer Films, J. Macromol. Sci.-Phys., B16(4), 611–632 (1979). (33)Futamura, S., et al., Effects of Center Block Structure on the Physicaland Rheological Properties of ABA Block Copolymers. Part II. RheologicalProperties, Polymer Engineering and Science, August, 1977, Vol. 17, No.8, pages 563–569. (34) Kuraray Co., LTD. MSDS, Kuraray Septon 4055,Hydrogenated Styrene Isoprene/Butadiene Block Copolymer, Apr. 25, 1991.(35) Hoening, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,842, 23 May 2000, “Structuresand fabricated articles having shape memory made from.Alpha-olefin/vinyl or vinylidene aromatic and/or hindered aliphaticvinyl or vinylidene interpolymers. (36) Shell Technical bulletin SC:1102-89 “Kraton® Thermoplastic Rubbers in oil gels”, April 1989. (37)Witco products literature #19610M 700-360: “White oils Petrolatum,Microcrystalline Waxes, Petroleum Distillates”, 1996 Witco Corporation.(38) Witco presentation: “White Mineral Oils in ThermoplasticElastomers”, ANTEC 2002, May 5–8, 2002. (39) Lyondell literatureLPC-8126 1/93, “Product Descriptions of White Mineral Oils”, pp 30–33.(40) Collins, Jr., Henry Hill, ‘COMPLETE FIELD GUIDE TO AMERICANWILDLIFE”, 1959, LCCN: 58-8880. (41) Romanack, Mark, Bassin' with thePros, 2001, LCCN: 2001086512. (42) Salamone, Joseph C., ConcisePolymeric Materials Encyclopedia, CRC Press, 1999. (43) Lide, David R.,Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, CRC Press, 78th Edition, 1997–1998.(44) Sigma year 2002–2003 Biochemical and Reagents for life ScienceResearch, sigma-aldrich.com. (45) Kraton Polymers and Compounds, TypicalProperties Guide, K0137 Brc-00U, 2001. (46) Kraton Thermoplastic Rubber,Typical properties 1988, SC: 68-78, 5/88 5M. (47) Humko chemical ProductGuide, Witco 1988. (48) Opportunities with Humko chemical Kemamide fattyamides, Witco 1987. The above applications, patents and publications arespecifically incorporated herein by reference.

Legge's paper teaches the development of (conventional substantiallyamorphous elastomer mid segment) SEBS triblock copolymers. In thepolymerization of butadiene by alkylithium initiators, 1,4-addition or1,2-addition polymers, mixtures, can be obtained. In forming styrenebutadiene triblock copolymers involving the addition of solvating agentssuch as ethers just before the final styrene charge is added, any excessof ethers can alter the polybutadiene structure from a 1,4-cis or transstructure to a 1,2- or 3,4-addition polymer. Using difunctional couplingagent would give linear block copolymers and multifuntional agents wouldgive star-shaped or radial block copolymers. Hydrogenation of the1,4-polybutadiene structure yields polyethylene, while that of the1,2-polybutadiene yields polybutylene. The resulting polyethylene willbe essentially identical with linear, high-density polyethylene with amelting point, Tm, of about 136° C. Hydrogenation of 1,2-polybutadienewould yield atactic poly(1-butene) (polybutylene). The Tg ofpolybutylene is around −18° C. Random mixtures of ethylene and butyleneunits in the chain would suppress crystallinity arising frompolyethylene sequences. The objective for a good elastomer should be toobtain a saturated olefin elastomeric segment with the lowest possibleTg and the best elastomeric properties. Such an elastomer favored usingstyrene as the hardblock monomer and selecting the best monomer forhydrogenation of the elastomer mid segment. Using a mixture of 1,4- and1,2-polybutadiene as the base polymer for the mid segment would resultin an ethylene/butylene mid segment in the final product. The elementsof selection of the midsegment composition is elastomer crystallinityand the elastomer Tg of an ethylene/butylene copolymer. Very low levelsof crystallinity can be achieved around 40–50% butylene concentration.The minimum in dynamic hysteresis around 35% butylene concentration inthe elastomeric copolymer. A value of 40% butylene concentration in theethylene/butylene midsegment was chosen for the S-EB-S block copolymers.Clair's paper teaches that the EB midblock of conventional S-EB-Spolymers is a random copolymer of ethylene and 1-butene exhibitingnearly no crystallinity in the midblock. In the preparation ofethylene-butylene (EB) copolymers, the relative proportions of ethyleneand butylene in the EB copolymer chain can be controlled over a broadrange from almost all ethylene to almost all butylene. When the EBcopolymer is nearly all ethylene, the methylene sequences willcrystallize exhibiting properties similar to low density polyethylene.In differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curves, the melting endothermis seen on heating and a sharp crystallization exotherm is seen oncooling. As the amount of butylene in the EB copolymer is increased, themethylene sequences are interrupted by the ethyl side chains whichshorten the methylene sequences length so as to reduce the amount ofcrystallinity in the EB copolymer. In conventional S-EB-S polymers, theamount of 1-butene is controlled at a high enough level to make the EBcopolymer midblock almost totally amorphous so as to make the copolymerrubbery and soluble in hydrocarbon solvents. Clair suggests that anS-EB-S polymer retaining at least some crystallinity in the EB copolymermidblock may be desirable. Therefore, a new family of S-EB-S polymersare developed (U.S. Pat. No. 3,772,234) in which the midblock contains ahigher percentage of ethylene. The molecular weights of the newcrystalline midblock segment S-EB-S polymers can vary from low molecularweight, intermediate molecular, to high molecular weight; these aredesignated Shell GR-3, GR-1, and GR-2 respectively. Unexpectly, thehighest molecular weight polymer, GR-2 exhibits an anomalously lowsoftening point. A broad melting endotherm is seen in the DSC curves ofthese polymers. The maximum in this broad endotherm occurs at about 40°C. Himes, et al., (U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,878) describes SEBS blends withimproved resistance to oil absorption. Papers (14)–(17) describespoly(ethylene-styrene) substantially random copolymers (DowInterpolymers™): Dow S, M and E Series produced by metallocenecatalysts, using single site, constrained geometry additionpolymerization catalysts resulting in poly(ethylene-styrene)substantially random copolymers with weight average molecular weight(Mw) typically in the range of 1×105 to 4×105, and molecular weightdistributions (Mw/Mn) in the range of 2 to 5. Paper (18) Prevorsek, etal., using Raman spectroscopy, WAXS, SAXD, and EM analysis interpretsdamage tolerance of ultrastrong PE fibers attributed to the nano scalecomposite structure that consists of needle-like-nearly perfect crystalsthat are covalently bonded to a rubbery matrix with a structureremarkably similar to the structure of NACRE of abalone shells whichexplains the damage tolerance and impact resistance of PE fibers. PEbecause of its unique small repeating unit, chain flexibility, abilityto undergo solid state transformation of the crystalline phase withoutbreaking primary bonds, and its low glass transition temperature whichare responsible for large strain rate effects plays a key role in thedamage tolerance and fatigue resistance of structures made of PE fibers.Chen (19) classifies 3 distinct categories of E (approximately 20–50 wt% styrene), M (approximately 50–70 wt % styrene), & S (greater thanapproximately 70 wt % styrene) substantially random or moreappropriately pseudo-random ethylene-styrene copolymers or randomcopolymers of ethylene and ethylene-styrene dyads. The designatedEthylene-styrene copolymers are: E copolymers (ES16, ES24, ES27, ES28,ES28, ES30, and ES44 with styrene wt % of 15.7, 23.7, 273, 28.1, 39.6 &43.9 respectively), M copolymers (ES53, ES58, ES62, ES63, and ES69 withstyrene wt % of 52.5, 58.1, 62.7, 62.8, and 69.2 respectively andcrystallinity, %, DSC, based on copolymer of 37.5, 26.6, 17.4, 22.9,19.6 and 5.0 respectively), S copolymers (ES72, ES73, and ES74 withstyrene wt % of 72.7, 72.8, and 743 respectively). The maximum comonomercontent for crystallization of about 20% is similar in other ethylenecopolymers, such as in ethylene-hexene and ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers. If the comonomer can enter the crystal lattice, such as inethylene-propylene, compositions in excess of 20 mol % comonomer canexhibit crystallinity. The molecular weight distribution of thesecopolymers is narrow, and the comonomer distribution is homogeneous.These copolymers exhibit high crystalline, lamellar morphologies tofringed micellar morphologies of low crystallinity. Crystallinity isdetermined by DSC measurements using a Rheometric DSC. Specimensweighing between 5 and 10 mg are heated from −80 to 180° C. at a rate of10° C./min (first heating), held at 190° C. for 3 min, cooled to −80° C.at 10° C./min, held at −80° C. for 3 min, and reheated from −80° C. to180° C. at 10° C./min (second heating). The crystallinity (wt %) iscalculated from the second heating using a heat of fusion of 290 J/g forthe polyethylene crystal. Contributing effects of the crystallinityinclude decrease volume fraction of the amorphous phase, restrictedmobility of the amorphous chain segments by the crystalline domains, andhigher styrene content of the amorphous phase due to segregation ofstyrene into the amorphous phase. Table I of this paper shows values ofTotal Styrene (wt %), aPS (wt %), Styrene (wt %), Styrene (mol %), 10−3Mw, Mw/Mn, and Talc (wt %) for Ethylene-styrene copolymers ES16–ES74while FIGS. 1–12 of this paper shows: (1) melting thermograms of ESI 1stand 2nd heating for ES16, ES27, ES44, ES53, ES63, & ES74; (2)crystallinity from DSC as a function of conmonomer content; (3)Logarithmic plot of the DSC heat of melting vs. Mole % ethylene forESIs; (4) measured density as a function of styrene content forsemicrystalline and amorphous ESIs; (5) % crystallinity from density vs% crystallinity from DSC melting enthalpy; (6) Dynamic mechanicalrelaxation behavior; (7) Glass transition temperature as a function ofwt % ethylene-styrene dyads for semicrystalline and amorphous ESIs; (8)Arrhenius plots of the loss tangent peak temperature for representativesemicrystalline and amorphous ESIs; (9) Draw ratio vs engineeringstrain; (10) Engineering stress-strain curves at 3 strain rates forES27, ES63 and ES74; (11) Engineering stress-strain curves of ESIs; (12)Classification scheme of ESIs based on composition. (20) U.S. Pat. No.5,872,201 describes interpolymers: terpolymers ofethylene/styrene/propylene, ethylene/styrene/4-methyl-1-pentene,ethylene/styrene/hexend-1, ethylene/styrene/octene-1, andethylene/styrene/norbornene with number average molecular weight (Mn) offrom 1,000 to 500,000. (21–24) U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,460,818; 5,244,996; EP415815A; JP07,278,230 describes substantially random, more appropriatelypresudo-ramdom copolymers (interpolymers), methods of making and theiruses. (25) Alizadeh, et al., find the styrene interpolymers impedes thecrystallization of shorter ethylene crystallizable sequences and thattwo distinct morphological features (lamellae and fringe micellar orclain clusters) are observed in ethylene/styrene (3.4 mol %) as lamellacrystals organized in stacks coexisting with interlamellar bridge-likestructures. (26) Guest, et al., describes ethylene-styrene copolymershaving less than about 45 wt % copolymer styrene being semicrystalline,as evidenced by a melting endotherm in DSC testing (Dupont DSC-901, 10°C./min) data from the second heating curve. Crystallization decreaseswith increasing styrene content. Based on steric hindrance, styrene unitis excluded from the crystalline region of the copolymers. Transitionfrom semi-crystalline to amorphous solid-state occurs at about 45 to 50wt % styrene. At low styrene contents (<40%), the copolymers exhibit arelatively well-defined melting process. FIGS. 1–5 of this paper shows(a) DSC data in the T range associated with the melting transition for arange of ESI differing primarily in copolymer styrene content, (b)variation in percent crystallinity (DSC) for ESI as a function ofcopolymer S content, (c) elastic modulus versus T for selected ESIdiffering in S content, (d) loss modulus versus T for selected ESIdiffering in S content, (e) Tensile stress/strain behavior of ESIdiffering in S content, respectively. (35) Hoening, et al, teachespreparation of interpolymers ESI #1 to #38 having number averagemolecular weight (Mn) greater than about 1000, from about 5,000 to about500,000, more specifically from about 10,000 to about 300,000.

(36) J. C. Randall, “A Review of High Resolution Liquid 13 CarbonNuclear Magnetic Resonance Characterizations of Ethylene-Based Polymers”JMS—Review Macromol. Chem. Phys., C29 (2 & 3), 201–317 (1989).

(37) U.S. Patent Application publication 20030153681 (Aug. 14, 2003) ofSt. Clair, David Jr.; et al. for GELS FROM CONTROLLED DISTRIBUTIONSTYRENE BLOCK COPOLYMERS, describes S-EB-EB/S-EB-S styrene blockcopolymer gels including A-B-A, (A-B)_(n), (A-B)_(n)-A, (A-B-A)_(n)X,(A-B)_(n)X configuration or a mixture thereof, where n is an integerfrom 2 to about 30, preferably 2 to about 15, more preferably 2 to about6, and X is coupling agent residue. St. Clair further describes: 100parts by weight of at least one hydrogenated block copolymer having acontrolled distribution block of a mono alkenyl arene and conjugateddiene and 350 to 2000 parts by weight of an extender oil. Thehydrogenated block copolymer has at least one polymer block A and atleast one polymer block B wherein (a.) prior to hydrogenation each Ablock is a mono alkenyl arene homopolymer block and each B block is acontrolled distribution copolymer block of at least one conjugated dieneand at least one mono alkenyl arene; (b.) subsequent to hydrogenationabout 0–10% of the arene double bonds have been reduced, and at leastabout 90% of the conjugated diene double bonds have been reduced; (c.)each A block having a number average molecular weight between about3,000 and about 60,000 and each B block having a number averagemolecular weight between about 30,000 and about 300,000; (d.) each Bblock comprises terminal regions adjacent to the A blocks that are richin conjugated diene units and one or more regions not adjacent to the Ablocks that are rich in mono alkenyl arene units; (e.) the total amountof mono alkenyl arene in the hydrogenated block copolymer is about 20percent weight to about 80 percent weight; and (f.) the weight percentof mono alkenyl arene in each B block is between about 10 percent andabout 75 percent.

That the key component of his invention is the novel block copolymercontaining mono alkenyl arene end blocks and a unique mid block of amono alkenyl arene and a conjugated diene. Surprisingly, the combinationof (1) a unique control for the monomer addition and (2) the use ofdiethyl ether or other modifiers as a component of the solvent (whichwill be referred to as “distribution agents”) results in a certaincharacteristic distribution of the two monomers (herein termed a“controlled distribution” polymerization, i.e., a polymerizationresulting in a “controlled distribution” structure), and also results inthe presence of certain mono alkenyl arene rich regions and certainconjugated diene rich regions in the polymer block. For purposes hereof,“controlled distribution” is defined as referring to a molecularstructure having the following attributes: (1) terminal regions adjacentto the mono alkenyl arene homopolymer (“A”) blocks that are rich in(i.e., having a greater than average amount of) conjugated diene units;(2) one or more regions not adjacent to the A blocks that are rich in(i.e., having a greater than average number of) mono alkenyl areneunits; and (3) an overall structure having relatively low blockiness.For the purposes hereof, “rich in” is defined as greater than theaverage amount, preferably greater than 5% of the average amount. Thisrelatively low blockiness can be shown by either the presence of only asingle glass transition temperature (Tg) intermediate between the Tg'sof either monomer alone, when analyzed using differential scanningcalorimetry (“DSC”) thermal methods or via mechanical methods, or asshown via proton nuclear magnetic resonance (“H-NMR”) methods. Thepotential for blockiness can also be inferred from measurement of theUV-visible absorbance in a wavelength range suitable for the detectionof polystyryllithium end groups during the polymerization of the Bblock. A sharp and substantial increase in this value is indicative of asubstantial increase in polystyryllithium chain ends. In this process,this will only occur if the conjugated diene concentration drops belowthe critical level to maintain controlled distribution polymerization.Any styrene monomer that is present at this point will add in a blockyfashion. The term “styrene blockiness”, as measured by those skilled inthe art using proton NMR, is defined to be the proportion of S units inthe polymer having two S nearest neighbors on the polymer chain. Thestyrene blockiness is determined after using H-1 NMR to measure twoexperimental quantities as follows:

First, the total number of styrene units (i.e. arbitrary instrumentunits which cancel out when ratioed) is determined by integrating thetotal styrene aromatic signal in the H-1 NMR spectrum from 7.5 to 6.2ppm and dividing this quantity by 5 to account for the 5 aromatichydrogens on each styrene aromatic ring.

Second, the blocky styrene units are determined by integrating thatportion of the aromatic signal in the H-1 NMR spectrum from the signalminimum between 6.88 and 6.80 to 6.2 ppm and dividing this quantity by 2to account for the 2 ortho hydrogens on each blocky styrene aromaticring. The assignment of this signal to the two ortho hydrogens on therings of those styrene units which have two styrene nearest neighborswas reported in F. A. Bovey, High Resolution NMR of Macromolecules(Academic Press, New York and London, 1972), chapter 6.

The styrene blockiness is simply the percentage of blocky styrene tototal styrene units:Blocky %=100 times (Blocky Styrene Units/Total Styrene Units)

Expressed thus, Polymer-Bd-S-(S)n-S-Bd-Polymer, where n is greater thanzero is defined to be blocky styrene. For example, if n equals 8 in theexample above, then the blockiness index would be 80%. It is preferredthat the blockiness index be less than about 40. For some polymers,having styrene contents of ten weight percent to forty weight percent,it is preferred that the blockiness index be less than about 10.

Controlled distribution block copolymers were prepared according to theprocess disclosed in copending patent application Ser. No. 60/355,210,filed Feb. 7, 2002, entitled Novel Block Copolymers and Method forMaking Same (TH-1768 prov.), and from it's continuing application filedconcurrently with this application (TH-1768 conv.), Ser. No. 10/359,981,and from U.S. application Ser. No. 10/209,285 filed Jul. 31, 2002(TH-1768X).

(38) KRATON® A POLYMERS: EXPANDING STRYRENIC BLOCK COPOLYMER TECHNOLOGYby Kathryn J. Wright, et al.: Kraton Polymers US LLC Houston, Tex. whichdescribes S-EB-EB/S-EB-S styrene block copolymer RP6935.

(39) RECENT STYRENIC BLOCK CO-POLYMER DEVELOPMENT—DIFFERENTIATED SEPTONAND HYBRAR GRADES by Katsunori Takamoto, et al., which describes styreneblock copolymers Septon 4033, 4044, 4055, 4077, 4099.

(40) U.S. Patent Application publication 20030181584 of Handlin, DaleLee Jr; et al entitled: ELASTOMERIC ARTICLES PREPARED FROM CONTROLLEDDISTRIBUTION BLOCK COPOLYMERS, Sep. 25, 2003 describes representativeS-EB-EB/S-EB-S styrene block copolymers 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11 which are ofthe controlled distribution styrene block copolymer type Kraton GA typehaving improved properties over conventional styrene block copolymertype Kraton G 1651.

(41) Nishikawa, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,295, Jul. 25, 1995 describesthe reparation of block copolymer using a pressure-proof vessel equippedwith a stirrer was charged with 3,000 g of cyclohexane, 50 g ofsufficiently dewatered styrene and 0.01 mole of lithium sec-butylfollowed by polymerization at 60. degree. C. for 60 minutes, addition of200 g of a 50/50 by weight mixture of isoprene/butadiene followed bypolymerization at 60. degree. C. for 60 minutes and addition of 50 g ofstyrene followed by polymerization for 60 minutes, to obtain astyrene-isoprene/1,3-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. Hydrogenationwas conducted in the same manner as above to obtain a block copolymerhaving a hydrogenation ratio of 98%. This was named SEEPS-1. The blockcopolymer's olefinic elastomer block having a glass transition point ofnot higher than −20. degree. C. and a heat of fusion of crystal of notmore than 8 cal/g.

(42) U.S. Patent Application publication 20030181585 of Handlin, DaleLee Jr; et al entitled: ARTICLES PREPARED FROM HYDROGENATED CONTROLLEDDISTRIBUTION BLOCK COPOLYMERS, Sep. 25, 2003 describes representativeS-EB-EB/S-EB-S styrene block copolymers 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11 which are ofthe controlled distribution styrene block copolymer type Kraton GA typehaving improved properties over conventional styrene block copolymertype Kraton G 1651.

The above publications (1) through (41) are incorporated herein byreference.

The gelatinous elastomer compositions of the present invention can bemade firm or soft and non-tacky to the touch. The “non-tacky to thetouch” gelatinous elastomer compositions of the invention is not basedon additives which bloom to the surface to reduce tack. For simplicity,the gelatinous elastomer compositions of the invention (which are highlytear resistant and rupture resistant and can be made non-tacky to thetouch and optically transparent or clear) will be referred to herein as“invention gel(s)”, “tear resistant gels”, “rupture resistant gels”,“non-tacky gels”, “no tack gels”, “optical gels”, when referring tocertain property attributes or more simply refer to as “the gel(s)” or“said gel(s)”.

As use herein, the tack level in terms of “Gram Tack” is determined bythe gram weight displacement force to lift a polystyrene referencesurface by the tip of a 16 mm diameter hemi-spherical gel probe incontact with said reference surface as measured on a scale at 23° C.(about STP conditions).

As used herein, the term “gel rigidity” in gram Bloom is determined bythe gram weight required to depress a gel a distance of 4 mm with apiston having a cross-sectional area of 1 square centimeter at 23° C.

As described herein, the conventional term “major” means greater than 50parts by weight and higher (e.g. 5.01, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4, 50.5, . . . 51,52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69,. . . 580 and higher based on 100 part by weight of (1) copolymers) andthe term “minor” means 49.99 parts by weight and lower (e.g. 49, 48, 47,46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 21, . . .10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7 . . . 0.09 and the like)based on 100 parts by weight of the base (1) block copolymer(s).

Not only can the invention gels be made non-tacky to the touch, the gelsare naturally transparent, and optically clear suitable for optical use.The gels are strong, elastic, highly tear resistant, and ruptureresistant. The invention gels can be formed into any shape for theintended use such as solid shapes for use as articles of manufacture,thin and thick sheets, strands, strings, ropes, fibers, fine silk likefilaments can be applied in its molten state onto various substrates ascomposites. The controlled distribution styrene block copolymer typeKraton GA type exhibit improved properties over conventional styreneblock copolymer type Kraton G including improved tear resistant andimproved rupture resistant, lower tack, and other improved propertiesover type Kraton G. Corresponding type Kraton GA of Kraton G1651 exhibitsuch improvements. Corresponding type Kraton GA of Kraton G1654 exhibitsuch improvements. Corresponding type Kraton GA of Kraton G1650 exhibitsuch improvements. Corresponding type Kraton GA of Kraton G1652 exhibitsuch improvements. In general, all corresponding type Kraton GA ofKraton G exhibit such improvements.

The requirements of the invention gels for use as fishing bait are many.The invention gels (because of their non tacky feel in the hand) aresuitable for forming articles for use outdoors (excellent for exposureto environmental extremes) requiring properties suitable for use underhigh stress, elongation, extremes of temperature as inside thefishermen's tickle box placed in the hot Sun. Summer heat can reachabove about 90° F. to about 133° F. or higher inside an automobile orfishing metal or plastic tackle box. The invention gels are suitable forfishing presentations in fresh as well as in salt waters. The inventiongels can be made with selectively low or soft to high gel rigidities andcan be orientated multiple colored for special effects.

The fishing terms typically used in the sport which were developed bythe fishermen prior to the invention gel fishing baits are given below.In many instants the terms defined refer to conventional PVC plastic orsoft plastic baits which this invention gel improves upon. For purposeof the fishing baits made from the invention gels, the definition(although speaks in terms of PVC plastic baits) is adopted for theimproved elastomer fishing bait of the instant invention gel and (whenreading) in place of plastic or soft plastic, the fishing techniques asdefined for use with conventional PVC are applicable to the presentimproved invention gel fishing baits. Keeping this in mind, one canappreciated the article in BASS Times, vol. 32, No. 6, page, and page36, written by its Senior writer, Louie Stout regarding an experimentalfishing bait of the invention being tested. The new improved fishingbait under test was expressed by Mr. Senior in terms of his knowledge inthe plastic PVC and silicone lure art which explains the inaccuracy oflanguage used in the article. For example, before this invention, thedefinition of artificial baits use by the sports fishing art does notinclude “soft elastomers”, “elastomers”, “elastomeric materials”, orreference to the invention gel bait composition. This is why the BASSTimes has termed the invention gel fishing bait a revolution.

Action—Measure of rod performance that describes the elapse time betweenflexion and return to straight configuration, ranges from slow to fast,with slow being the most amount of flexion.

Angler—Person using pole or rod and reel to catch fish.

Angling—Usually refers to the recreational catching of fish by means ofhook and line; sport fishing; game fishing.

Artificial Baits—Lures or flies made of wood, plastic, metal, feathers,or similar inert material.

Aquatic insects: Water-bred insects which spend all or part of theirlife in water; e.g., midges, stoneflies, mayflies.

Baitcasting—Fishing with a revolving-spool reel and baitcasting rod;reel mounted on topside of rod.

Bait additive—Any liquid or powder used to color or flavor a bait.

Bait colorings—Various powder and liquid dyes are available to color avariety of baits.

Baitfish—Small fish often eaten by predators.

Bait flavorings—There are hundreds of different concentrated liquid baitflavorings.

Barbed hook—A hook with a barb cut into it near the point that helpskeep the bait on the hook and ensures that fish stay hooked.

Barbless hook—A hook with no barb, that miminizes damage to delicatebaits, ensures full penetration of the point into the mouth of a fish,and allows easy removal of the hook without damaging the fish.

Bent hook rig—A carp rig that originally featured a hook with a bentshank, which improved the hook-up rate of self-hooking rigs.

Black Bass—Term used to describe several types of bass; the most commonbeing smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass.

Bloodworm—The small, red larvae of midges, found in the silt at thebottom of most waters.

Buoyancy—The tendency of a body to float or rise when submerged in afluid.

C&R—Catch and Release.

CPR—Catch, Photograph, Release.

Cabbage—Any of several species of weeds, located above the surface orunderwater.

Caddis—An insect of the order Trichoptera.

Carolina Rig—A deep-water assembly comprised of a heavy slip sinker,plastic bead, barrel swivel, 16- to 18-inch leader, hook, andsoft-plastic bait such as a worm, lizard, or crawfish. Rigged weedlesswith the hook buried in the body of the bait, this combination isexcellent for fishing ledges, points, sandbars, and humps.

Casters—The pupae of large maggots, widely used as a bait for mostspecies of fish, often in conjunction with hemp and groundbait. Castersexposed to the air until they become crisp, dark floaters are best forthe hook.

Catchability—The fraction of a fish stock which is caught by a definedunit of the fishing effort.

Catch Per Unit Of Effort—The catch of fish, in numbers or in weight,taken by a defined unit of fishing effort. Also called: catch pereffort, fishing success, availability.

Cover—Cover refers to anything that a fish can hide in, behind orunderneath. That includes weeds, rocks, trees, boat docks, boats,stumps, anything in the water that improves their chances to ambushunsuspecting baitfish.

Creel limit—The number of fish an angler can keep as set by local orstate regulations.

Critically balanced bait—A hookbait, usually a boilie, whose buoyancy issuch that it perfectly balances the weight of the hook, to minimizeresistance to a taking fish.

Dropshot Rig—A hook such as the Yamamoto series 53 Splitshot hook isnormally tied onto the main line with a Palomar knot. The tag end of theknot is left anywhere from 12″ to 24″ inches long. Once the knot istied, the tag end is threaded through the hook eye in the direction thatkeeps the hook point positioned up. A swiveling style of sinker is thenattached to the dangling tag end of the Palomar knot anywhere from 12″to 24″ below the hook. The bait is then nose-hooked.

Eyed/spade-end hooks—Small hooks (size 16 or below) tend to be spadeend, while larger sizes tend to be eyed. A spade is lighter than an eyefor the same size hook, making the hook lighter and improving baitpresentation with small baits.

Effectiveness Of Fishing—A general term referring to the percentageremoval of fish from a stock (but not as specifically defined) as eitherrate of exploitation or instantaneous rate of fishing.

Fancast—A systematic series of casts to a specific area of water.

Finesesse Fishing—An angling technique characterized by the use of lighttackle—line, rods, reel and artificial baits (often tube worms, grubs,or other small-sized soft-plastic lures); often productive in clear,fairly uncluttered water.

Fish—Literally, a vertebrate (animal with a backbone) that has gills andlives in water, but generally used more broadly to include anyharvestable animal living in water. Fishes refers to more than one typeof fish; finfish refers to sharks, some rays and bony fishes, andscalefish refers to fish bearing scales.

Fishing Effort—The total fishing gear in use for a specified period oftime. When two or more kinds of gear are used, they must be adjusted tosome standard type. 2. Effective fishing effort.

Fisherman—One who engages in fishing for sport or occupation.

Fishhook—A barbed or barbless hook used for catching fish.

Fish oil—Various kinds of fish oil can be used to flavor deadbaits,pastes and boilies.

Flavor enhancer—A bait additive, usually in liquid form, designed toenhance the attractiveness of a bait flavoring.

Flipping—The term “Flipping” comes from the method of presentation thatyou use when fishing a jig or worm in heavy shallow cover.

Florida Rig—An advancement over the toothpick-pegging method, Floridarig sinkers are molded around a thin Teflon tube, and a corkscrew wirethat screws in to the nose of a soft bait Slip the sinker on the mainline, tie the hook directly to the main line, and screw it into thebait. This provides the ultimate in weedless and snagless presentationfor big bass in heavy cover.

Freshwater—In a broad sense ‘freshwater’ is used for all continentalaquatic systems such as rivers and lakes. In a technical sense it refersto water with less than 0.5 grams per liter of total dissolved mineralsalts.

Grub—A short, plastic type of worm usually rigged with a weighted jighook.

Internet—The most widely used international communications computernetwork. To get access to the Internet, you need a modem or a connectionto a LAN with Internet access. “What does that have to do with fishing?”you ask. Simple, that's how you got here.

Jerkbait—plugs that move with no built-in action of their own; anyaction comes from the fisherman's maneuvering the rod and line. The softbodied baits are not worked so hard as their design requires a much lessvigorous twitch or “jerk”.

Jig—a hook with a leadhead that is usually dressed with hair, silicone,or plastic.

Jig-N-Pig—Combination of a leadhead jig and pork rind trailer; among themost effective baits for attracting trophy-size bass.

Larva—Refers to the subsurface stage of development of an aquaticinsect.

Lipless Crankbaits—Artificial baits designed to resemble a swimmingbaitfish. Such plugs vibrate and/or wobble during retrieve; some havebuilt-in rattles. Also called swimming baits.

Lobworm—A large garden worm that can be used whole or in sections on thehook, especially for eels, chub, tench, carp, barbel, bream and roach,or chopped up for use as feed.

Maggots—Large maggots, the larvae of bluebottles, are the most commonlyused bait in coarse fishing.

Mealworms—Small, wiry grubs that can be an effective hookbait,especially for roach.

Microbarbed hook—A hook with a tiny barb to minimize damage to the mouthof a fish and to baits such as maggots.

Minnow—A shoal fish found in running water but rarely exceeding 7.5 cm(3 in) in length. Minnows are regarded as a nuisance by most anglers,but make effective livebaits or deadbaits for perch, eels and chub.

Nymphs—Flies made to sink below the surface of the water and imitateimmature insects

Offset hook—A hook with the point bent at a slight angle to the shank.If you lay this kind of hook down, it will not sit flat.

Outpoint hook—A hook with the point curved slightly away from the shank.

Paternoster rig—A rig in which hooklength branches from the main line,rather than being a continuation of it.

Presentation—A collective term referring to choice of type of lure,color, and size; structure targeted; amount of disturbance a bait makeswhen entering the water; and retrieval technique, speed, and depth usedto catch fish.

Redworm—Small (2.5–5 cm/1–2 in) red worm found in compost and manureheaps.

Round-bend hook—Hooks with round bends have a wider gape for large baitssuch as bread, worms, luncheon meat and sweetcorn.

Sea fish—Various sea fish, including sprats, sardines, herrings, smeltsand mackere as baits for pike.

Shad—Any of several cluepeid fishes that have a rather deep body.

Skirt—Usually a rubber or vinyl addition to a lure that gives it actionand texture.

Slugs—Large black slugs are a good bait for chub, especially whenfreelined.

Soft Jerkbait—A plastic jerkbait.

Splitshot Rig—Knot a hook to the end of your line, bait up and pinch oneor a few split shot 18″ to 24″ inches above the bait.

Soft Bottom—River bottoms which are comprised of soft material such assilt, mud, or muck.

Spinnerbait—A spinnerbait is a hard lure generally consisting of a largesingle hook, a lead head, a rubber or vinyl skirt, wire and a spinningblade. These are one of the most versatile of all the lures made forbass fishing. They can be buzzed along the surface, worked with a steadyor erratic retrieve at any depth and slowly crawled along the bottomwith the blade just barely turning.

Success (of fishing)—Catch per unit of effort.

Tail—The length of line, including the hooklength, between the hook anda leger or paternoster.

Tail-Spinners—Compact, lead-bodied lures with one or two spinner bladesattached to the tail, and a treble hook suspended from the body;designed to resemble a wounded shad; effective on schooling bass.

Texas Rig—The method of securing a hook to a soft-PVC plastic bait—worm,lizard, crawfish, by burying the hook point into the body of the lure.The “Texas rig” is probably the most popular and most recognized methodof fishing plastic worms. This rig consists of a bullet shaped sinker(of any size), a single hook (called a Sproat, Offset or Worm hook).This rig can be used in any depth of in any type of cover. The type ofplastic bait that you attach is usually a plastic worm or lizard of somesize.

Texas Rigged Worms—The most popular worm-fishing technique, but also themost difficult to master. In this rig, the hook is threaded through thetip of the worm and the point is turned back into the head of the wormto make it weedless, meaning the point is not exposed and will not getsnagged in the weeds. When fishing in heavy cover, you can peg the slipsinker by inserting a toothpick through the hole of the sinker. Thiswill keep the sinker from hanging up, and will increase your feel of thelure. To prevent the worm from sliding down the hook shank, push the eyeof the hook down into the plastic worm, spear a 50 lb test piece ofmonofilament fishing line through both the tip of the worm and the hookeye and trim the ends of the monofilament.

Texposed—A Texas rigged plastic bait that has the point of the hookgoing through the plastic, thus exposing the point of the hook. This isa good rig to use in relatively brush or weed free water conditions.

Trailer Hook—A trailer in fishing terms is an extra piece of plasticthat you attach to the end of the hook of your spinnerbait or jig. Itmakes your bait look bigger and gives more action. A trailer hook is anextra single hook that you attach to your lure (more commonly aspinnerbait) if the bass are striking at the skirt of the bait and aremissing the main hook.

Trigger—The sight, sound, smell, taste, texture, or vibration of a lurewhich entices a fish to strike.

Unpegged Texas Rig—A conical sinker is allowed to slide freely on themain line, with the hook tied directly to the main line. Optionally usea bead. The sinker will jackhammer constantly against the bead and makea tiny clicking noise that can attract fish at times. One difficulty isan unpegged sinker can slide far up the line on the cast, making forinaccurate casts and imprecise presentations. An unpegged sinker canalso slide far down the line and get your rig stuck in snaggy cover. Formore control over an unpegged sinker, you can contain it on a short 12to 24″ leader tied to a swivel. This gives you the desirable unpeggedlure movement (and bead-clicking option) while at the same time, theshort leader gives you better control over the cast and presentation.

Water Dog—Any of several large American salamanders.

Wacky Rig—In relatively open water, simply tie a hook such as the RedOctopus to your line, and thread the hook straight through the middle ofa slanky bait such as a Senko or worm. In some cases, to get a thin baitdeeper quicker, you may want to string a very small bullet sinker toslide freely on the line above the hook.

Weightless Rig—The purest form of rigging, and most deadly with theSenko. No sinker is used and the hook can be tied directly to the mainline. Optionally, tie the hook to a 12″ to 24″ inch leader tied to afree-turning swivel that dissipates the line twist which often occurswith unweighted soft baits.

Worming—The act of fishing with a plastic worm, lizard, crawfish, orsimilar bait. A soft thin PVC plastic bait that is in the shape of yourgarden variety earthworm. However the shape is about the only thing thatresembles them. Their sizes range from about 3 inches to over twelveinches! Their colors are every color imaginable and unimaginable. Youcan fish these as topwater, using floating worms or on the bottom usingany number of methods.

Yolk Sac—In embryos and early fish larvae, a bag-like ventral extensionof the gut containing materials. It nourishes the growing fish until itis able to feed itself.

Almost all fish love live fish. The big fish likes to eat smaller fishand other natural looking prey, such as baitfish, boodworm, caddis,casters, cheese, crayfish, cricket, cut bait, fish eggs, fish larvae,frogs, grub, guppies, insects, lizards, lobworm, maggots, mayflies,mealworms, minnows, night-crawler, nymphs, redworm, reptiles,salamanders, shad, shrimp, sinks, slugs, small fishes, snakes, squid,swordtails, water dog, other worms, and the like.

Fishing baits made from the invention gels may have one or more built-inrattles or pre-formed cavity connected by a channel for later insertionof a rattle for trigger which are conventionally use with PVC softplastic baits. Since the molten temperature of the invention is muchhigher than required to melt PVC plastosol, rattles must be contained ina heat resistant (above about 275° F. to about 450° F.) enclosure formolding into the invention gel bait or the rattles can be glue onto theinvention gel bait with glues described below. When molded into theinvention gel bait, the rattle can be removed by inserting a sewingneedle (the sharp point of a fishing hook, a thumb tack, tip of a wire,or any sharp point) through the gel into the region of the rattle. A pinhole can also be molded by using a fine wire with the rattle in place toavoid having to push a needle through the gel. This is called the“rattle through a pin hole method” or “pin hole method”. The rattle canthen be forced or pushed out through the pin hole path made by theneedle. Because of the invention gel is tear resistant, the pin hole canbe enlarged without tearing. The pin hole method does not require aconnecting channel to a pre-formed cavity which promotes drag in thewater. The small side of the fishing bait, any cavity or connectingchannel can promote a great amount of drag. Any undesirable drag willaffect the performance of the fishing bait. The same rattle or a largerrattle can be re-inserted any time as desired or any liquid substance(such as a fish attractant, e.g., fish oil and the like) can be injectedin the rattle's place. Multiple pin holes can be made in the inventiongel bait as desired with out affecting the use of the gel bait. A lowtemperature rattle can also be use with the fishing bait by firstmolding the fishing bait with a similar shaped temperature resistantblank, later removed through a pin hole and the desired rattle insertedin place.

The invention baits are suitable for catching all types of freshwaterfish such as: lampreys, bony fishes, sturgeons, paddlefishes, gars,perch, pike, muskellunge, walleye, white bass, pickerel, carp, all typesof bass (smallmouth bass, yellow bass, and the like) catfish, bullhead,herrings, shads, salmons, trouts, and the like.

The live action invention gel fishing baits can last more than fivetimes longer without damage and replace completely the used ofconventional PVC plastisol fishing baits which have been determined tocontain controversial toxic plasticizers and banned by JAFTMA andcertain European countries.

The invention gel fishing baits are about the best to live food, sincethey can be made soft, they move fast and are extremely slippery in thewater and have the motion very much like live prey. The invention gelfishing baits can not only exhibit action, but are capable of exhibitingbuoyancy in water, and can be made to have low tack or be non-tacky tothe touch. The invention gel fishing baits are rupture resistant todynamic stretching, shearing, resistant to ball-up during casting,resistant to tearing encountered during hook penetration, and casting.Therefore, the invention gel fishing baits can be use to catch fish inall manner of presentations of bait, hook, and line combinationsincluding with barbed hooks, barbless hooks bent hooks rig, carolinarig, when critically balanced baiting, dropshot rig, eyed hook,fancasting, finesse fishing, flipping, floating (float fishing), floridarig, jerkbait, jig, jig-n-pig, offset hook, paternoster rig, peggedtexas rig, pro-jo rig, round-bend hook, splitshot rig, strike zone,swimming lure, texas rigged worms, tight-action plug, trailer hook,unpegged texas rig, wacky rig, weightless rig, worming and the like. Theinvention gel fishing bait exhibits five times greater elongation,greater tear resistance, and greater fatigue resistance than aconventional plastisol polyvinyl chloride fishing bait of correspondingrigidity.

As a consequence, the invention gel fishing baits are a boon to theangler giving him a success hook to catch ratio of at least greater than5 in side by side fishing with a conventional plastisol PVC bait.Thereby, increasing his catch per unit of effort, increasing his fishingeffectiveness, minimizing his fishing effort of presentation andmaximizing his success.

The invention gels can be made to exhibit sufficient low Gram Tack to benoticeable non-tacky to the touch of the fingers of a typical human handat 23° C. A simple way to accurately measure the non tacky feeling assensed by the fingers is to drop a reference gel sample having acylindrical shape of about 1.0 cm diameter and 1.0 cm in length adistance of 10 cm on to the surface of a polystyrene petri dish having adiameter of 10 cm inclined at 45°. The reference gel sample isconsidered non tacky if it (1) “bounce at least twice before coming torest”, (2) “bounce off”, (3) “bounce and then rolls off”, or (4) “rollsoff” on striking the polystyrene surface. If none of (1) thru (4) isobserved, then the level of Gram Tack can be determined by the gelsample method above.

The invention gel composition comprises at least one high viscositylinear multiblock copolymers and star-shaped (or radial) multiblockcopolymers. The invention gel compositions copolymer (I) comprises 100parts by weight of one or a mixture of two or more of a hydrogenatedstyrene isoprene/butadiene block copolymer(s) more specifically,hydrogenated styrene block polymer with 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene and1,3-butadiene) or poly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene)SEEPS or poly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene)n, (SEEP)n.

In general such block copolymers have the general configurations An-Z-Anand (An-Z)n wherein each An is a selected glassy polymer end block of amonoalkenyl arene compounds, more specifically, a monovinyl aromaticcompounds such as polystyrene (where superscript n=1),monovinylnaphithalene as well as the alkylated derivatives thereof suchas poly(alpha-methylstyrene) (n=2), poly(o-methylstyrene) (n=3),poly(m-methylstryene) (n=4), poly(p-methylstyrene) (n=5)poly(tertiary-butylstyrene) (n=6), and the like, and midblocks (Z)comprising polymer chains of poly(ethylene), poly(ethylene) andpoly(propylene) or -EEP-. In the case of styrene glassy end blocks, thehydrogenated styrene isoprene/butadiene block copolymer(s) have theformula.

The SEEPS (I) linear copolymers are characterized as having a BrookfieldViscosity value at 5 weight percent solids solution in toluene at 30° C.of from less than about 40 cps to about 150 cps and higher,advantageously from about 40 cps to about 60 cps and higher, moreadvantageously from about 50 cps to about 80 cps and higher, still moreadvantageously from about 70 cps to about 110 cps and higher, and evenmore advantageously from about 90 cps to about 180 cps and higher.

The (I) star-shaped copolymers are characterized as having a BrookfieldViscosity value at 5 weight percent solids solution in toluene at 30° C.of from about 150 cps to about 380 cps and higher, advantageously fromabout 150 cps to about 260 cps and higher, more advantageously fromabout 200 cps to about 580 cps and higher, and still more advantageouslyfrom about 500 cps to about 1,000 cps and higher.

This physical elastomeric network structure of the invention gels arereversible, and heating the polymer above the softening point of theglassy domains temporarily disrupt the structure, which can be restoredby lowering the temperature. During mixing and heating in the presenceof compatible plasticizers, the glassy domains (A) unlock due to bothheating and solvation and the molecules are free to move when shear isapplied. The disruption and ordering of the glassy domains can be viewedas a unlocking and locking of the elastomeric network structure. Atequilibrium, the domain structure or morphology as a function of the (A)and (Z) phases (mesophases) can take the form of spheres, cylinders,lamellae, or bicontinous structures. The scale of separation of thephases are typically of the order of hundreds of angstroms, dependingupon molecular weights (i.e. Radii of gyration) of theminority-component segments. The sub-micron glassy domains whichprovides the physical interlocking are too small to see with the humaneye, too small to see using the highest power optical microscope andonly adequately enough to see using the electron microscope. At suchsmall domain scales, when the gel is in the molten state while heatedand brought into contact to be formed with any substrate and allowed tocool, the glassy domains of the gel become interlocked with the surfaceof the substrate. At sufficiently high enough temperatures, with orwithout the aid of other glassy resins (such as polystyrene homopolymersand the like), the glassy domains of the copolymers forming theinvention gels fusses and interlocks with even a visibly smoothsubstrate surface such as glass. The disruption of the sub-microndomains due to heating above the softening point forces the glassydomains to open up, unlocking the network structure and flow. Uponcooling below the softening point, the glassy polymers reforms togetherinto sub-micron domains, locking into a network structure once again,resisting flow. It is this unlocking and locking of the networkstructure on the sub-micron scale with the surfaces of various materialswhich allows the gel to form interlocking composites with othermaterials.

A useful analogy is to consider the melting and freezing of a watersaturated substrate, for example, foam, cloth, fabric, paper, fibers,plastic, concrete, and the like. When the water is frozen, the ice is toa great extent interlocked with the substrate and upon heating the wateris able to flow. Furthermore, the interlocking of the ice with thevarious substrates on close examination involves interconnecting ice in,around, and about the substrates thereby interlocking the ice with thesubstrates. A further analogy, but still useful is a plant or weed wellestablished in soil, the fine roots of the plant spreads out andinterconnects and forms a physical interlocking of the soil with theplant roots which in many instances is not possible to pull out theplant or weed from the ground without removing the surrounding soilalso.

Likewise, because the glassy domains are typically about 200 Angstromsin diameter, the physical interlocking involve domains small enough tofit into and lock with the smallest surface irregularities, as well as,flow into and flow through the smallest size openings of a poroussubstrate. Once the gel comes into contacts with the surfaceirregularities or penetrates the substrate and solidifies, it becomesdifficult or impossible to separate it from the substrate because of thephysical interlocking. When pulling the gel off a substrate, most oftenthe physically interlocked gel remains on the substrate. Even a surfacewhich may appear perfectly smooth to the eye, it is often not the case.Examination by microscopy, especially electron microscopy, will showserious irregularities. Such irregularities can be the source ofphysical interlocking with the gel.

The polyethylene crystalline segments or midblocks of copolymers formingthe invention gel can be characterized by the presence of a meltingtrace of from less than about 2.5° C. (for low viscosity polyethylenemidblock containing block copolymers) to greater than about 18° C. (forhigher viscosity polyethylene midblock containing block copolymers) asdetermined by crystallization exotherm DSC curve. More specific DSCmelting values of the crystalline midblock block segment of the SEEPScopolymers may be carefully measured and detected include less thanabout 1.5° C., 2° C., 3° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C.,10° C., 11° C., 12° C., 13° C., 14° C., 15° C., 16° C., 17° C., 18° C.,19° C., 20° C., 21° C., 22° C., 23° C., 24° C., 25° C., 26° C., 27° C.,28° C., 29° C., 30° C., 31° C., 32° C., 33° C., 34° C., 35° C., 36° C.,37° C., 38° C., 39° C., 40° C., 41° C., 42° C., 43° C., 44° C., 45° C.,46° C., 47° C., 48° C., 49° C., 50° C., 51° C., 52° C., 53° C., 54° C.,55° C., and higher. Whereas, the melting trace in DSC evidencing thepresence of crystalline polyethylene are not found in amorphous blockcopolymers such as SEPS.

The crystallization exotherm of the crystalline block copolymerinvention gel are determined by ASTM D 3417 method. In order to provideconditions for DSC samples of certain polyethylene midblock containingblock copolymers to have the best possible chance to exhibit anycrystallinity the measurement protocol can be modified as follows: heatto 140° C. @ 10° C./min., cool to 0° C. @ 2° C./min., put sample infreezer for 1 week, heat sample to 140° C. @ 1° C./min., then cool to 0°C. @ 1° C./min.

Generally, the method of obtaining long runs of crystalline —(CH2)— isby sequential block copolymer synthesis followed by hydrogenation. Theattainment of invention gels is solely due to the selectivepolymerization of the butadiene monomer (forming the midblocks)resulting in one or more predetermined amount of 1,4poly(butadiene)blocks followed by sequential polymerization of additional midblocks andhydrogenation to produce one or more crystalline midblocks of the finalblock copolymers.

The crystalline block copolymers are made by sequential block copolymersynthesis, the percentage of crystallinity or (—CH2-)16 units should beat least about (0.67)4 or about 20% and actual crystallinity of about12%. For example, a selectively synthesized S-EBn-S copolymer having aratio of 33:67 of 1,2 and 1,4poly(butadiene) on hydrogenation willresult in a midblock with a crystallinity of (0.67)4 or 20%. For sake ofsimplicity, when n is a subscript of -EB-, n denotes the percentage of(—CH2-)4 units, eg, n=33 or 20% crystallinity which is the percentage of(0.67)4 or “(—CH2-)16” units. Thus, when n=28 or 72% of (—CH2-)4 units,the % crystallinity is (0.72)4 or 26.87% crystallinity attributed to(—CH2-)16 units, denoted by -EB28-. As a matter of convention, and forpurposes of this specification involving hydrogenated polybutadiene: thenotation -E- denotes at least about 85% of (—CH2-)4 units. The notation-B- denotes at least about 70% of [—CH2-CH(C2H5)-] units. The notation-EB- denotes between about 15 and 70% [—CH2-CH(C2H5)-] units. Thenotation -EBn- denotes n % [—CH2-CH(C2H5)-] units. For hydrogenatedpolyisoprene: The notation -EP- denotes about at least 90%[—CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-] units.

Generally, one or more (E) midblocks can be incorporated at variouspositions along the midblocks of the block copolymers. The lowerflexibility of block copolymer gels due to (E) midblocks can be balancedby the addition of sequentially (W) midblocks. For example, thesequentially synthesized block copolymer S-E-EB-S can maintain a highdegree of flexibility due to the presence of amorphous -EB- block. Thesequential block copolymer S-E-EB-B-S can maintain a high degree offlexibility due to the presence of amorphous -EB- and -B- midblocks. Thesequential block copolymer S-E-EP-E-S can maintain a high degree offlexibility due to the presence of -EP- midblock. The sequential blockcopolymer S-E-B-S can maintain a high degree of flexibility due to thepresence of the -B- midblock. For S-E-S, where the midblock may becrystalline and flexibility low, physical blending with amorphous blockcopolymers such as S-EP-S, S-EB-EP-S, (S-EP)n and the like can producemore softer, less rigid, and more flexible gel.

Because of the high viscosity of the block copolymers and (E) midblocks,the invention gel exhibit different physical characteristics andimprovements over amorphous gels including damage tolerance, improvedcrack propagation resistance, improved tear resistance producing knottytears as opposed to smooth tears, improved resistance to fatigue, higherhysteresis, etc. Moreover, the invention gels when stretched exhibitadditional yielding as shown by necking caused by stress inducedcrystallinity or yielding of the styrene glassy phases.

Regarding resistance to fatigue, fatigue (as used herein) is the decayof mechanical properties after repeated application of stress andstrain. Fatigue tests give information about the ability of a materialto resist the development of cracks or crazes resulting from a largenumber of deformation cycles. Fatigue test can be conducted bysubjecting samples of amorphous and gels to deformation cycles tofailure (appearance of cracks, crazes, rips or tears in the gels).

Tensile strength can be determined by extending a selected gel sample tobreak as measured at 180° U bend around a 5.0 mm mandrel attached to aspring scale. Likewise, tear strength of a notched sample can bedetermined by propagating a tear as measured at 180° U bend around a 5.0mm diameter mandrel attached to a spring scale.

Various block copolymers can be obtained which are amorphous, highlyrubbery, and exhibiting minimum dynamic hysteresis:

Block Copolymer S-EB-S

The monomer butadiene can be polymerized in a ether/hydrocarbon solventto give a 50/50 ratio of 1,2poly(butadiene)/1,4poly(butadiene) and onhydrogenation no long runs of —CH2- groups and negligible crystallinity,ie, about (0.5)4 or 0.06 or 6% and actual crystallinity of about 3%. Dueto the constraints of Tg and minimum hysteresis, conventional S-EB-Shave ethylene-butylene ratios of about 60:40 with a crystallinity ofabout (0.6)4 or 0.129 or 12% and actual crystallinity of about 7.7%.

Block Copolymer S-EP-S

The monomer isoprene when polymerized will produce 95%1,4poly(isoprene)/5% 3,4poly(isoprene) and upon hydrogenation will formamorphous, rubbery poly(ethylene-propylene) midblock and no long runs of—CH2- and no crystallinity.

Mixed Block Copolymer S-EB/EP-S

The polymerization of a 50/50 mixture of isoprene/butadiene monomers insuitable ether/hydrocarbon solvents to give equal amounts of 1,2 and1,4poly(butadiene) on hydrogenation will produce a maximum crystallinityof (0.25)4 or 0.4%. The actual crystallinity would be approximatelyabout 0.2%, which is negligible and results in a good rubbery midblock.

The polymerization of a 80/20 mixture of isoprene/butadiene monomers insuitable ether/hydrocarbon solvents to give equal amounts of 1,2 and 1,4poly(butadiene) will upon hydrogenation produce a low crystallinity of(0.10)4 or 0.01%. The actual crystallinity would be approximately about0.006%, which is negligible and results in a good rubbery midblock.

The polymerization of a 20/80 mixture of isoprene/butadiene monomers insuitable ether/hydrocarbon solvents to give equal amounts of 1,2 and1,4poly(butadiene) will upon hydrogenation produce a low crystallinityof (0.4)4 or 2.56%. The actual crystallinity would be approximatelyabout 1.53%, which is negligible and results in a good rubbery midblock.

Block Copolymer S-EEP-S

The polymerization of a 20/80 mixture of isoprene/butadiene monomers insuitable ether/hydrocarbon solvents to give a 40:60 ratio of 1,2 and1,4poly(butadiene) will upon hydrogenation produce a low crystallinityof (0.48)4 or 5.3%. The actual crystallinity would be approximatelyabout 3.2%, which is negligible and results in a good rubbery midblock.This theoretical % of actual crystallinity corresponds well tocommercially available SEEPS Septon 4033 and 4055 which varies withbatch lots.

These values are all negligible. There will be no detectablecrystallinity in any of these polymer midblocks. In a mixedether/hydrocarbon solvent, values will be intermediate, depending on theratio of ether to hydrocarbon.

The midblock components (Z) can comprise various combinations ofmidblocks between the selected end blocks (A); these include: -E-EB-,-E-EP-, -E-EP-E-, -E-EB-E-, -E-E-EP-, -E-E-EB-, and the like.

The (Z) midblock of two or more polymer chains can be obtained byhydrogenation methods, for example: 1,4-polybutadiene (B1,4) can beconverted by hydrogenation to poly(ethylene), 1,4-polybutadiene (B1,4)and 1,2-polybutadiene (B1,2) can be converted by hydrogenation topoly(ethylene-butylene), 1,4-poly-isoprene (I1,4) can be converted byhydrogenation to poly(ethylene-propylene), 1,2-polybutadiene (B1,2) canbe converted by hydrogenation to atactic poly(1-butene)(polybutylene),1,4-polybutadiene (B1,4) and polyisoprene (1) 1,4-poly-butadiene (B1,4)can be converted by hydrogenation to poly(ethylene-ethylene-propyleneethylene), 2-methyl-1,3-polybutadiene and 1,3-polybutadiene (I, B1,3)can be converted by hydrogenation topoly(ethylene-ethylene-co-propylene), and the like. Polypropylene can bemodified by tailblocking a poly(ethylene-propylene) copolymer segment onthe propylene block to form poly(propylene-ethylene-co-propylene);likewise, poly(ethylene-propylene)n (EP),poly(propylene-ethylene-co-propylene-propylene) (P-EP-P),poly(propylene-ethylene-propylene) (P-E-P),poly(ethylene-ethylene-co-propylene) (E-EP) can be formed. It is notedherein that B (bold) denotes polybutadiene and B (plain) denotespolybutylene.

Further, the multiblock copolymers (An-Z-An) can be obtained by varioussynthesis methods including hydrogenation of selected block copolymers.When the subscript n of A is =1, (polystyrene) (S), for example,suitable block copolymers can be converted to the useful multiblockcopolymers forming the invention gels. These include: conversions ofS-I-B1,3-S to (S-E-EP-S), S-B1,4-I-B1,4-S to (S-E-EP-E-S), S-B1,2-I-S to(S-B-EP-S), S-B1,3-B1,2-B1,4-S to (S-E-EB-S), S-B1,4-B1,2-I-S to(S-EB-EP-S), S-I-B1,3-B1,2-B1,4-S to (S-E-EP-EB-S), etc. As denotedherein abbreviations are interchangeably used, for example, (S-E-EP-S)denotes poly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene). Other linearmultiblock copolymers (denoted in abbreviations) can be formed,including: (S-B-EB-S), (S-E-EB-E-S), (S-B-EP-E-S), (S-B-EB-E-S),(S-E-E-EP-S), (S-E-E-EB-S), and the like.

The multiblock star-shaped (or radial) copolymers (An-Z)n can beobtained by various synthesis methods including hydrogenation ofselected block copolymers. When the subscript n of A is =1,(polystyrene) (S), for example, suitable block copolymers can beconverted to the useful multiblock copolymers forming the inventiongels. These include: conversions of (S-I-B1,3)n topoly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-co-propylene)n denoted by theabbreviation (S-E-EP)n, (S-B1,4-I-B1,4)n to (S-E-EP-E)n, S-B1,2-I)n to(S-B-EP)n, (S-B1,3-B1,2-B1,4)n to (S-E-EB)n, (S-B1,4-B1,2-I)n to(S-EB-EP)n, (S-I-B1,3-B1,2-B1,4)n to (S-E-EP-EB)n, etc. Other multiblockcopolymers can be formed, including: (S-B-EB)n, (S-E-EB-E)n,(S-B-EP-E)n, (S-B-EB-E)n, (S-B-EP-B)n, (S-B-EB-B)n, (S-E-E-EP)n,(S-E-E-EB)n, (S-B-E-EP)n, (S-B-E-EB)n, (S-B-B-EP)n, (S-B-B-EB)n,(S-E-B-EB)n, (S-E-B-EP)n, (S-EB-EB)n, (S-EP-EP)n, (S-E-EB-EB)n,(S-E-EP-EP)n, (S-E-EB-EP)n, (S-B-EB-EB)n, (S-B-EP-EP)n, and the like.

The Z and A portions of the linear and star-shaped multiblock copolymersare incompatible and form a two or more-phase system consisting ofsub-micron glassy domains (A) interconnected by flexible Z chains. Thesedomains serve to crosslink and reinforce the structure. This physicalelastomeric network structure is reversible, and heating the polymerabove the softening point of the glassy domains temporarily disrupt thestructure, which can be restored by lowering the temperature.

It should be noted that when the A to Z ratios falls substantially belowabout 30:70, various properties such as elongation, tensile strength,tear resistance and the like can decrease while retaining other desiredproperties, such as gel rigidity, flexibility, elastic memory.

In general, for these block copolymers, the various measured viscositiesof 5, 10, 15, and 20, weight percent solution values in toluene at 30°C. can be extrapolated to a selected concentration. For example, asolution viscosity of a 5 weight percent copolymer solution in toluenecan be determined by extrapolation of 10, 15, and 20 weight percentmeasurements to 5 weight percent concentration.

The Brookfield Viscosities can be measured at various neat polymerconcentrations, for example, the selected high viscosity linearmultiblock copolymers in (I) can have a typical Brookfield Viscosityvalue of a 20 weight percent solids solution in toluene at 25° C. ofabout 1,800 cps and higher, and advantageously about 2,000 cps andhigher. Typically, the Brookfield Viscosity values can range from atleast about 1,800 to about 16,000 cps and higher. More typically, theBrookfield Viscosity values can range from at least about 1,800 cps toabout 40,000 cps and higher. Still more typically, the BrookfieldViscosity values can range from at least about 1,800 cps to about 80,000cps and higher. Due to structural variations between the multiblock andstar-shaped copolymers, the high viscosity star-shaped or radialcopolymers, typically, may exhibit a lower Brookfield Viscosity valuethan its counterpart linear multiblock copolymers. However, when themultiblock copolymers are considered as star-shaped or branched, than atequal branch lengths, the solution viscosities of the multiblockcopolymers and branched copolymers are about the same or equivalent.

In all cases, the molecular chain lengths (molecular weights) of themultiblock and star-shaped (or radial) copolymers (I) must be sufficientto meet the high solution Brookfield Viscosities requirements describedherein that is necessary for making the soft, strong and extreme tearresistant gels.

The copolymers (I) selected have Brookfield Viscosity values rangingfrom about 1,800 cps to about 80,000 cps and higher when measured at 20weight percent solution in toluene at 25° C., about 4,000 cps to about40,000 cps and higher when measured at 25 weight percent solids solutionin toluene. Typical examples of Brookfield Viscosity values forstar-shaped copolymers at 25 weight percent solids solution in tolueneat 25° C. can range from about 3,500 cps to about 30,000 cps and higher;more typically, about 9,000 cps and higher. Other advantageousmultiblock and multiblock star-shaped copolymers can exhibit viscosities(as measured with a Brookfield model RVT viscometer at 25° C.) at 10weight percent solution in toluene of about 400 cps and higher and at 15weight percent solution in toluene of about 5,600 cps and higher. Otheradvantageous multiblock and star-shaped copolymers can exhibit about8,000 to about 20,000 cps at 20 weight percent solids solution intoluene at 25° C. Examples of most advantageous high viscosity linearmultiblock copolymers can have Brookfield viscosities at 5 weightpercent solution in toluene at 30° C. of from about 40 to about 50, 60,70, 80, 90, 100 . . . 120, 150, 200 cps and higher, while viscosities ofstar-shaped multiblock copolymers are 150 cps and higher.

Examples of high viscosity multiblock copolymers (I) having two or moremidblocks are Kuraray's (S-E-EP-S) 4033, 4045, 4055 and 4077hydrogenated styrene isoprene/butadiene block copolymers, morespecifically, hydrogenated styrene block polymer with2-methyl-1,3-butadiene and 1,3-butadiene. Kuraray's 4055 (S-E-EP-S)multiblock copolymer and 4077 exhibit viscosities at 5 weight percentsolution in toluene at 30° C. of about 90 cps to about 120 cps and about200 to about 380 cps respectively. At 10 weight percent SEEPS 4055 isabout 5,800 cps and higher. Other linear and star multiblock copolymers(I) such as (S-E-EP-S), (S-E-EP-E-S), (S-B-EP-S), (S-E-EB-S),(S-EB-EP-S), (S-E-EP-EB-S), (S-B-EB-S), (S-E-EB-E-S), (S-B-EP-E-S),(S-B-EB-E-S), (S-B-EP-B-S), (S-B-EB-B-S), (S-E-E-EP-S), (S-E-E-EB-S),(S-B-E-EP-S), (S-B-E-EB-S), (S-B-B-EP-S), (S-B-B-EB-S), (S-E-B-EB-S),(S-E-B-EP-S), (S-EB-EB-S), (S-EP-EP-S), (S-E-EB-EB-S), (S-E-EP-EP-S),(S-E-EB-EP-S), (S-B-EB-EB-S), (S-B-EP-EP-S), (S-B-EB-EP-S),(S-B-EP-EB-S), (S-E-EP-E-EP-S), (S-E-EP)n, (S-E-EP-E)n, (S-B-EP)n,(S-E-EB-S)n, (S-EB-EP-)n, (S-E-EP-EB)n, (S-B-EB)n, (S-E-EB-E)n can alsoexhibit viscosities at 5 weight percent solution in toluene at 30° C. offrom less than about 100 to about 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800,900, 1,000, 1,200, 1,300, 1,600, 1,800, 2,000 cps and higher.

The copolymer (I) forming the invention gels can have a broad range of Aend block to Z center block ratio of about 20:80 or less to about 40:60or higher. The A:Z weight ratios can range from lower than about 20:80to above about 40:60 and higher. More specifically, the values can be19:81, 20:80, 21:79, 22:78, 23:77, 24:76, 25:75, 26:74, 27:73, 28:72,29:71, 30:70, 31:69, 32:68, 33:67, 34:66, 35:65, 36:64, 37:63, 38:62,39:61, 40:60, 41:59, 42:58, 43:57, 44:65, 45:55, 46:54, 47:53, 48:52,49:51, 50:50, 51:49 and etc. Other ratio values of less than 19:81 orhigher than 51:49 are also possible. Broadly, the styrene block toelastomeric block ratio A:Z of the high viscosity multiblock and starcopolymers (I) is about 20:80 to about 40:60 or higher, less broadlyabout 31:69 to about 40:60, preferably about 32:68 to about 38:62, morepreferably about 32:68 to about 36:64, particularly more preferablyabout 32:68 to about 34:66, especially more preferably about 33:67 toabout 36:64, and most preferably about 30:70.

Theory notwithstanding, the multiblock copolymer gel properties can beattributed to the additional blocks affecting the separate polymerphases, the additional blocks affecting the heterophase structure, theadditional blocks affecting the interfacial regions between phases ofthe multiblock polymers, the additional blocks forming a separate phaseor inducing the formation of additional separate phases, or the highmolecular weight and combination of high styrene content of the blockcopolymer. Due to the additional number of midblocks of the copolymers(I), the differences in solubility parameters between (A) and (Z)becomes greater than the solubility parameters differences between (A)and (D) of triblock copolymers, where D denotes the lone midblockpolymer chain. Moreover, the presence of additional midblocks ofethylene, propylene, butylene, ethylene-propylene, or ethylene-butylenemay contribute to stress-induced crystallization. This may explain whyas the viscosity of the multiblock copolymers is increased to a higherlevel, the appearance of the invention gels change from clear to moretranslucent white.

The invention gels of the present invention resist tearing under tensileloads or dynamic deformation in that when cut or notched, the “crack”made on the gel deep surface does not readily propagate further underdynamic deformation or tensile loads. Unlike triblock copolymer gels,such as (SEBS) and (SEPS) gels which possess high tensile strength andwill catastrophically snap apart into two reflective clean smoothsurfaces when cut or notched under tensile or dynamic loads.Furthermore, when elongated, the invention gels can exhibit two or moredraw plateaus and can possess high tensile strength and rapid returnfrom high extension without noticeable set or deformation. As observed,the invention gels can be stretched by a first tensile load with uniformdeformation to a measured length, upon the application of higher tensileloads, the gel can be further extended without breaking. Upon release,the gel returns immediate to its original shape and any necking quicklydisappears. Again, theory notwithstanding, the additional drawingplateaus of the gel may be attributed to yielding of crystalliteformations ethylene or propylene components in the gel or yield ofinduced interfacial regions of concentrated ethylene or propylenebetween the domains which during extension absorbs the elastic energy.Likewise, the resistance to tear propagation of the invention gels whennotched under tensile load can be attributed to yielding of the gelmidblock components, yielding of additional phases, or yielding ofinterfacial regions before rupture or deformation of the (A) domains cantake place.

Additionally, shearing, heating or cooling form the molten state canalter the gels' state. The invention gels can be made to exhibit longelastomeric recovery times. Such gels can be used effectively insuppressing low frequency vibrations and for absorbing energy. Theunusual properties of the invention gels can be attributed to alteringdifferent phase or interfacial arrangements of the domains of themultiblock copolymers. The presence of polyethylene and crystallinity inblock copolymers can be determined by NMR and DSC.

Physical measurements (NMR and DSC) of typical commercial Kraton G 1651,Septon 2006, Septon 4033 and Septon 4055 block were performed. Two typesof 13C NMR spectra data were collected. The gated decoupled experimentprovided quantitative data for each type of carbon atom. The DEPTexperiment identified each type of carbon atom having attached protons.The DEPT data allowed assignment of the resonances in the gateddecoupled experiment, which was then integrated for quantitation of thedifferent types of midblock and end groups in each polymer tested

The relative quantities of each type of carbon group in the variouspolymers were found. The uncertainty associated with these measurementsis estimated as +3 percentage units. Only the Kraton 1651 spectrum hadresonances below about 20 ppm. These resonances, at 10.7–10.9 ppm, wereassigned to the butylene methyl group and distinguish the SEBS polymerfrom the SEPS and SEEPS types of polymer (36). Only the Septon 2006spectrum lacked the resonance at about 20 ppm that is characteristic ofpolyethylene units (defined here as three contiguous CH2 groups), andthis feature distinguishes the SEPS polymer from the SEBS and SEEPSpolymers (36). There were additional differences between the spectra TheSepton 2006 and the Septon 4033 and 4055 spectra all showed resonancesat 20 ppm; whereas the spectrum of Kraton 1651 was missing thisresonance. The 20 ppm peak is characteristic of the methyl group of apropylene subunit, which is present in SEPS and SEEPS polymers butabsent in the SEBS polymer. There were also a methylene peak, at 24.6ppm, and a methine peak at 32.8 ppm, in all of the Septon spectra butnot in the Kraton 1651 spectra These resonances also arise from thepropylene subunit.

The chemical shifts, relative intensities, and relative integrationswere the same for the spectra of the Septon 4033 and Septon 4055,indicating that these two polymeric compositions are identical based onNMR spectroscopy.

DSC of ASTM D3417-99 was modified to provide conditions for the samplesto have the best possible chance to exhibit any crystallinity. Theprotocol was as follows: (1) heat to 140° C. @ 10° C./min., (2) cool to0° C. @ 2° C./min., (3) place in freezer for 1 week, (4) heat to 140° C.@ 1° C./min, and (5) cool to 0° C. @ 1° C./min.

This protocol was used with the exception that the samples were left inthe freezer for approximately 2 months, instead of 1 week, because theDSC equipment broke during the week after the first run and requiredsome time for repair. This delay is not expected to have negativelyimpacted the results of the experiment.

Two HDPE reference samples gave dearly defined crystallization exothermsand fusion endotherms, allowing calculation of heats of crystallizationand fusion. These results showed that the equipment and methodology werefully functional, and this check was performed daily during DSCoperation. Of the samples, only Kraton 1651 showed discernabletransitions for both crystallization and fusion. The Septon 2006 showedno discernable transitions, which is consistent with its SEPS structurebeing entirely amorphous. The Septons 4033 and 4055 showedcrystallization exotherms.

The heats of crystallization for the Kraton 1651 and Septons 4033 and4055 were small, below about 3 J/g, indicating that small amounts ofcrystallinity are present in these polymers. The DSC data show:

Kraton 1651: crystallization exotherm peak at 18.09° C., crystallizationexotherm—mass normalized enthalpy (J/g) of 1.43, fusion endortherm peakat 34.13° C., and Fusion Endotherm—mass normalized enthalphy J/g of15.17.

Septon 2006: crystallization exotherm peak (not detected),crystallization exotherm—mass normalized enthalpy (not detected), fusionendortherm peak NONE, and Fusion Endotherm—mass normalized enthalphy(not detected).

Septon 4033: crystallization exotherm peak at 2.86° C., crystallizationexotherm—mass normalized enthalpy (J/g) of 3.00, fusion endortherm peak(not detected), and Fusion Endotherm—mass normalized enthalphy (notdetected).

Septon 4055: crystallization exotherm peak at 14.4° C., crystallizationexotherm—mass normalized enthalpy (J/g) of 1.32, fusion endortherm peak(not detected), and Fusion Endotherm—mass normalized enthalphy (notdetected).

Aldrich 13813JU polyethylene reference: crystallization exotherm peak at119.72° C., crystallization exotherm—mass normalized enthalpy (J/g) of174.60, fusion endortherm peak at 130.70° C., and

Fusion Endotherm—mass normalized enthalphy J/g of 189.90.

Plasticizers (II) particularly advantageous for use in practicing thepresent invention are will known in the art, they include rubberprocessing oils such as paraffinic and naphthenic petroleum oils, highlyrefined aromatic-free paraffinic and naphthenic food and technical gradewhite petroleum mineral oils, and synthetic liquid oligomers ofpolybutene, polypropene, polyterpene, etc. The synthetic series processoils are high viscosity oligomers which are permanently fluid liquidnonolefins, isoparaffins or paraffins of moderate to high molecularweight.

Incorporated herein by reference, in part, is the “Physical and ChemicalProperties of Mineral Oils That Affect Lubrication”,© Copyright HerguthLaboratories, Inc. 1995, which is a review of mineral oils and terms forthe tribologist working in the field of Tribology. A few of the termsare provided for clear reading of the description of the invention asfollows:

Viscosity is the property of a fluid that causes it to resist flow,which mechanically is the ratio of shear stress to shear rate. Viscositymay be visualized as a result of physical interaction of molecules whensubjected to flow. Lubricating oils have long chain hydrocarbonstructures, and viscosity increases with chain length. The unit ofabsolute or dynamic viscosity is Force/Area×Time. The basic SI unit isPascal×second Pa s (or Ns m−2). Mineral oils are typically 0.02 to 0.05Pas at 40 degree C. 1 mPa·s=1 Centipoise (cP) cP is commonly used forabsolute viscosity. The symbol for viscosity is usually u. When gravityis used to cause flow for the viscosity measurement, the density p ofthe oil is involved and kinematic viscosity is reported=u/p. The basicSI unit is meter2/second (m2 s−1). Also 1 cm2 s−1=1 Stoke (St), and 1mm2 s−1=1 centiStoke (cSt), cSt is commonly used for kinematicviscosity. Viscosity (by ASTM D445) of industrial lubricants is commonlyclassified using the International Standard Organization Viscosity Grade(ISOVG) system, which is the average viscosity in centiStokes (cSt) at40 degree C. For example, ISOVG 32 is assigned to oils with viscositybetween 28.8 and 35.2 cSt at 40 degree C.

Viscosity Index (VI) is a commonly used expression of an oil's change ofviscosity with temperature. VI is based on two hypothetical oils witharbitrarily assigned VI's of 0 and 100. The higher the viscosity indexthe smaller the relative change in viscosity with temperature. A lessarbitrary indication of the change in viscosity with temperature is theviscosity temperature coefficient. For 40 to 100 degree C. it is:Viscosity (cSt) at 40 degree C. minus Viscosity (cSt) at 100 degreesC=C−1, divided by the Viscosity (cSt) at 40 degrees C.

Vapor pressure is the pressure exerted by a vapor on a liquid when it isin equilibrium with its own vapor. The higher the concentration of lowmolecular weight fractions, the greater the vapor pressure. Vaporpressure is reported as a pressure at a specified temperature.Volatility is reported as percent evaporative weight loss and ismeasured by ASTM method D-972.

Flash point is an indication of the combustibility of the vapors of amineral oil, and is defined as the lowest temperature at which the vaporof an oil can be ignited under specified conditions. Flash point isclearly related to safety. Flash point of lubricating oils is measuredusing ASTM D 92. An open cup of oil is heated at a specific rate whileperiodically passing a small flame over its surface. The flash point isconsidered to be the lowest temperature at which the oil vapors willignite, but not sustain a flame.

Surface tension is the surface energy between a liquid and its ownvapor, or air, or a metal surface. The word tension comes from the forcethat resists any attempt to increase the surface area. Surface tensionis thought to be a factor in the ability of an oil to “wet” a surface,in emulsion stability, and in the stability of dispersed solids.However, “wetting” has been found to be a complex phenomenon involvingoleophobic and oleophilic films on the metal surface. Some additivesmarkedly change surface tension.

Paraffinic oils are straight chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbonsbelonging to the series with the general formula CnH2n+2. Paraffin's aresaturated with respect to hydrogen. A typical paraffinic oil moleculewith 25 carbon and 52 hydrogen atoms has a molecular weight of 352. Veryhigh molecular weight paraffins are solid waxes, also dissolved in smallamounts of mineral oils.

Naphthenic or alicyclic oils have the characteristics of naphthenes,which are saturated hydrocarbons of which the molecules contain at leastone closed ring of carbon atoms.

Paraffins are relatively unreactive and thus have better oxidationstability compared to naphthenes. In general, paraffins have a higherviscosity index than naphthenics.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Mineral Oils That Affect Lubricationhave been delt with by Douglas Godfrey of Herguth Laboratories, Inc.1995 which describes viscosity as being the property of a fluid thatcauses it to resist flow, which mechanically is the ratio of shearstress to shear rate. Viscosity may be visualized as a result ofphysical interaction of molecules when subjected to flow. Lubricatingoils have long chain hydrocarbon structures, and viscosity increaseswith chain length. Viscosity of an oil film, or a flowing column of oil,is dependent upon the strong absorption of the first layer adjacent tothe solid surfaces, and the shear of adjacent layers.

Specific gravity is used which is ratio of the mass of a given volume tothe mass of an equal volume of water. Therefore, specific gravity isdimensionless. The specific gravity of mineral oils also varies from0.86 to 0.98 since the specific gravity of water is 1 at 15.6 degree C.Specific gravity decreases with increased temperature and decreasesslightly as viscosity decreases for similar compositions. Reference 5(pp. 482–484) gives the specific gravity of 81 mineral oils at 15.6degree C.

Bulk modulus expresses the resistance of a fluid to a decrease in volumedue to compression. A decrease in volume would increase density.Compressibility is the reciprocal of bulk modulus or the tendency to becompressed. Bulk modulus varies with pressure, temperature, molecularstructure and gas content. Generally, mineral oils are thought to beincompressible. In high pressure hydraulic systems a high bulk modulusor low compressibility is required to transmit power efficiently anddynamically. Bulk modulus is determined by measuring the volume of anoil at various pressures or derived from density measurements at variouspressures. Bulk modulus can also be measured by the speed of sound inoils under various pressures. A discussion of bulk modulus and valuesare given in References 9 and 10. Since a graph of pressure versusvolume gives a curve, the secant to the curve is used and is calledIsothermal Secant Bulk Modulus.

Gases are soluble in mineral oils to a limited amount. The amount varieswith the type of gas and oil temperature. For example, 8 to 9% of air,by volume, is soluble in mineral oil at room temperature and isinvisible. Dissolved gases affect oil viscosity, bulk modulus, heattransfer, oil and metal oxidation, boundary lubrication, foaming andcavitation. Boundary lubrication is improved by the oxygen in dissolvedair because it continuously repairs the protective oxide films onmetals. Dissolved oxygen is considered an important anti-scuffcomponent. The amount of dissolved gas become evident when gases comeout of solution vigorously when the oil is subjected to low pressures.

The amount of soluble gas is measured by ASTM D 2780 “Solubility ofFixed Gases In liquid Test”. This method physically separates the gasthrough an extraction process and measures the quantity volumetrically.This method allows for subsequent qualitative analysis of the extractedgas by any appropriate technique.

If the amount of a gas in oil exceeds saturation, small bubbles willform, remain suspended, and the oil will appear hazy. This is calledentrained gas. The bubbles slowly rise to the surface. Bubbles of a gas,such as air, in an oil film cause holes that reduce oil film continuityand decrease the film's ability to prevent solid-to-solid contact.

The relative tendency of various oils to release entrained gas ismeasured by a gas bubble separation method ASTM D 3427. The method usesa cylinder-like test vessel with gas inlet and outlet ports. Air, oranother gas (if of interest), is introduced into the bottom of thevessel at a specified temperature and flow rate. At the end of sevenminutes the gas flow is stopped and the change in density as measured bya densitometer is recorded. The test is complete when the total volumeof entrained air is reduced to 0.20% by volume. The results are reportedas the time it took for the oil to attain this value.

Foaming is defined as the production and coalescence of gas bubbles on alubricant surface. Foam may be a result of a variety of problemsincluding air leaks, contamination, and over filling of sumps. Foamingcan cause loss of oil out of a vent and serious operational problems inmost lubricated systems. Excessive foam can starve bearings and pumps ofliquid lubricant (pump cavitation) causing failure, and cause poorperformance in hydraulic systems. The foaming characteristics of an oilare measured by ASTM D-892. Using a calibrated porous stone, air isblown into the bottom of a graduated cylinder for a specified time.Immediately upon completion of the blowing period, the foam that hasformed on the top of the oil is measured. Ten minutes after thecompletion of the blowing period, an additional measurement is made ofthe remaining foam as the foam retention characteristics of the oil. Theresults are reported in milliliters.

Examples of representative commercially available plasticizing oilsinclude Amoco® polybutenes, hydrogenated polybutenes, polybutenes withepoxide functionality at one end of the polybutene polymer, liquidpoly(ethylene/butylene), liquid hetero-telechelic polymers ofpoly(ethylene/butylene/styrene) with epoxidized polyisoprene andpoly(ethylene/butylene) with epoxidized polyisoprene: Example of suchpolybutenes include: L-14 (320 Mn), L-50 (420 Mn), L-100 (460 Mn), H-15(560 Mn), H-25 (610 Mn), H-35 (660 Mn), H-50 (750 Mn), H-100 (920 Mn),H-300 (1290 Mn), L-14E (27–37 cst @ 100° F. Viscosity), H-300E (635–690cst @ 210° F. Viscosity), Actipol E6 (365 Mn), E16 (973 Mn), E23 (1433Mn), Kraton L-1203, EKP-206, EKP-207, HPVM-2203 and the like. Example ofvarious commercially oils include: ARCO Prime (55, 70, 90, 200, 350, 400and the like), Duroprime and Tufflo oils (6006, 6016, 6016M, 6026, 6036,6056, 6206, etc), other white mineral oils include: Bayol, Bernol,American, Drakeol, Ervol, Gloria, Kaydol, Litetek, Lyondell (Duroprime55, 70, 90, 200, 350, 400, Ideal FG 32, 46, 68, 100, 220, 460), Marcol,Parol, Peneteck, Primol, Protol, Sontex, and the like. Oils useful inthe invention gel include: Witco 40 oil, Ervol, Benol, Blandol,Semtol-100, Semtol 85, Semtol 70, Semtol 40, Orzol, Britol, Protol,Rudol, Carnation, Klearol; 350, 100, 85, 70, 40, Pd-23, Pd 25, Pd28, FG32, 46, 68, 100, 220, 460, Duroprime Ds-L, Ds-M, Duropac 70, 90, Crystex22, Af-L, Af M, 6006, 6016, 6026, Tufflo 6056, Ste Oil Co, Inc: CrystalPlus 70, 200, 350, Lyondell: Duroprime DS L & M, Duropac 70, 90, Crystex22, Crystex AF L & M, Tufflo 6006, 6016; Chevron Texaco Corp: SupertaWhite Oil 5, Superta 7, 9, 10, 13, 18, 21, 31, 35, 38, 50, Penreco:Conosol 340, Conosol C-200, Drakeol 15, 13, 10, 10B, 9, 7, 5, 50,Peneteck, Ultra Chemical Inc, Ultraol White 60Nf, Ultraol White 50Nf,Witco Hydrobrite 100, 550, 1000, and the like.

Selected amounts of one or more compatible plasticizers can be used toachieve gel rigidities of from less than about 2 gram Bloom to about1,800 gram Bloom and higher. Tack may not completely be dependent uponthe amount of the glassy phase, by using selected amount of certain lowviscosity oil plasticizers, block copolymers of SEBS, SEEPS, SEPS, SEPn,SEBn, and the like, gel tack can be reduced or the gel can be madenon-tacky.

Major or minor amounts (based on 100 parts by weight of base elastomer)of any compatible second plasticizers can be utilized in forming theinvention gel, but because of the non-tack property of the inventiongel, the major amount of first plasticizers used should be low viscosityplasticizers having viscosities advantageously of not greater than about30 cSt @ 40° C., for example 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20,19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and thelike. The invention gel tack decreases with decreasing oil viscositiesof from about 30 to 3. Invention gels which are non-tacky to the touchcan be achieved using oils with viscosities of about 10 cSt @ 40° C. andless. Best result can be achieved using oils with viscosities of about 6and less. Oils of higher viscosities of from about 500 cSt @ 40° C. toabout 30 produce higher and higher tack with increase in viscosities.Heat temperature set resistance improves with increase in oil viscosity.Oils with viscosities less than about 15 exhibit heat set at about 50°C. Therefore a combination of low viscosity oils to improve low tack andhigh viscosity oils to improve set can be achieved by blending variousoils having the desired viscosities for the desired end use. Thedisassociation of polystyrene is about 100° C. to about 135° C., theinvention gels do not melt below the disassociation temperature ofpolystyrene. It is important that fishing bait when stored in a fishingbox in the hot Sun at about 50° C. to about 58° C. do not suffersubstantial heat set as tested at these temperatures in a 108° U bendfor one hour.

It has been found that the lower the oil viscosity, the lower the heatset of the resulting gel composition and the higher the oil viscosityuse in the gel compositions of the invention, the higher the heat set ofthe resulting gel composition. For example, if the first plasticizer isless than about 50 SUS @ 100° F., the heat set of the resulting gelcomposition comprising 100 parts of (I) copolymers of equal parts ofSEEPS 4055 and Kraton G 1651 with about 600 parts by weight of the firstplasticizer, the resulting is found to have a heat set less than that ofa conventional PVC plastisol fishing bait at about 50° C. However, asthe 50 Vis SUS @ 100° F. oil of the formulation is gradually replacedwith a higher viscosity oil of about 80–90 SUS @ 100° C., the heat setdeformation improves with increasing amounts of the higher viscosityoil. In order to obtain equal heat set performance as conventional PVCplastisol fishing bait, the first and second plasticizers would have tobe of equal amounts in the gel composition. Replacing the firstplasticizer with a greater amount would increase the gel tack. If tackis not of great concern, then a higher amount of the second plasticizerswould be beneficial for improving heat set at higher and highertemperatures to the point that the second plasticizers can reach greaterthan 2525 SUS @ 100° C. (Ideal FG 100, 220, or 460 oil) the resultinggel composition would not exhibit set at even temperatures greater than400° F.

The cited first plasticizers with or without one or more secondplasticizers can be used in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidityof from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom. The secondplasticizers in effective amounts in combination with the firstplasticizers can provide a greater temperature compression set than agelatinous composition having the same rigidity formed from the firstplasticizers alone. The second plasticizers when used can provide agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from the first plasticizers alone or formedfrom a combination of the first plasticizers and the secondplasticizers. The first plasticizers being in effective amounts withsaid second plasticizers can provide a Gram Tack lower than a gelatinouscomposition having the same rigidity formed from the second plasticizersalone.

Generally, plasticizing oils with average molecular weights less thanabout 200 and greater than about 700 may also be used (e.g. H-300 (1290Mn)). It is well know that minor and sufficient amounts of Vitamin E isadded to the described commercially available oils during bulkprocessing which is useful as a oil stabilizer, antioxidant, andpreservative.

Of all the factors, the amount of plasticizing oils can be controlledand adjusted advantageously to obtain substantially higher tear andtensile strength gels. The improvements in tensile strength of theinvention gels are accompanied by corresponding increase in gel rigidityas the amount of plasticizing oils are lowered until the rigidity of theinvention gels becomes much higher than that of the gums which surroundthe teeth. Although higher tensile strengths can be obtained as theamount of plasticizing oils in the gel approaches zero, the tensilestrength of the floss, however, must be maintained at an acceptable gelrigidity (at sufficient high plasticizing oil levels) in order to be assoft as the gums required for flossing. For example, the rigidities of agel containing 100, 200, or 300 parts by weight of oil is much higherthan a gel containing 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, or 900 parts of oil.

These gels can exhibit a larger unit lateral contraction at the sameelongation per unit of length as their counterpart parent gels fromwhich the invention gels are derived or formed. This property wouldallow a same unit volume of gel when elongated as its parent to easilywedge between the teeth when flossing. It would seem that a gel havingthe 1.0 cm3 volume made from a ratio of 100 parts by weight of copolymerand 400 parts plasticizer would have a unique macro volumeconfigurations that is at equilibrium with the plasticizer which is muchlike a 3-D fingerprint which is uniquely different from any other gel ofa different copolymer to plasticizer ratio. Reducing the plasticizercontent of a ratio 100:400 gel to a 100:300 ratio of copolymer toplasticizer will decrease the amount of plasticizer, but the originalmacro volume configurations will remain the same.

Speculative theories not withstanding, configurations may take the formof (1) swiss cheese, (2) sponge, (3) the insides of a loaf of bread, (4)structures liken to ocean brain corals, (5) large structures and smallstructures forming the 3-D gel volume landscape, (6) the outer heatedsurface which cools faster than the inner volumes of the gel during itscooling histories may have a patterned crust (rich in A micro-phases)like that of a loaf of bread and the inner volume may have much like1–5, and (7) the many different possible structures are unlimited andvolume landscapes may be interconnected at the macro-level by threads ormicro-strands of Z micro-phases.

The amount of plasticizer extracted can advantageously range from lessthan about 10% by weight to about 90% and higher of the total weight ofthe plasticizer. More advantageously, the extracted amounts ofplasticizer can range from less than about 20% by weight to about 80% byweight of the total plasticizer, and still more advantageously, fromabout 25% to about 75%. Plasticizing oils contained in the inventiongels can be extracted by any conventional methods, such as solventextraction, physical extraction, pressure, pressure-heat, heat-solvent,pressure-solvent-heat, vacuum extraction, vacuum-heat extraction,vacuum-pressure extraction, vacuum-heat-pressure extraction,vacuum-solvent extraction, vacuum-heat-solvent-pressure extraction, etc.The solvents selected, should be solvents which do not substantiallydisrupt the A and Z phases of the (I) copolymers forming the inventiongels. Any solvent which will extract plasticizer from the gel and do notdisrupt the A and Z phases can be utilized. Suitable solvents includealcohols, primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, glycols, etc.,examples include methanol, ethanol, tetradecanol, etc. Likewise, thepressures and heat applied to remove the desired amounts of oils shouldnot be sufficient to disrupt the A and Z domains of the (I) copolymers.To form a lower rigidity gel, the simplest method is to subject the gelto heat in a partial vacuum or under higher vacuum for a selected periodof time, depending on the amount of plasticizer to be extracted.

Surprisingly, as disclosed in my application U.S. Ser. No. 09/896,047filed Jun. 30, 2001, oil extraction from the invention gels can beachieved with little or no energy in the presence of one or moresilicone fluids to almost any degree. A theory can be made to explainthe physics involved in the extraction process which reasoning is asfollows: (1) When water is placed in contact with an oil extended gel,the gel will not over time exhibit weight loss. (2) When oil is add to acolumn of water in a test tube, the oil will separate out and find itslevel above the column of water. (3) The surface tension of water at 25°C. is about 72.0 mN/m. (4) The surface tension of oil (mineral oil) at25° C. is about 29.7 mN/m. (5) The surface tension of silicone fluid at25° C. range from abut 16 to abut 22 mN/m (for example: the surfacetension of 100 cSt silicone fluid at STP is 20.9 mN/m). (6) The densityof oil is less than the density of silicone fluid, silicone grease,silicone gel, and silicone elastomer. (7) Oil is not a polar liquid andis highly compatible with the rubber phase of the oil gel formingpolymer. (8) Silicone is polar and not compatible with the polymer'srubber phase.

The molecules of a liquid oil drop attract each other. The interactionsof an oil molecule in the liquid oil drop are balanced by an equalattractive force in all directions. Oil molecules on the surface of theliquid oil drop experience an imbalance of forces at the interface withair. The effect is the presence of free energy at the surface. Thisexcess energy is called surface free energy and is quantified as ameasurement of energy/area. This can be described as tension or surfacetension which is quantified as a force/length measurement or m/Nm.

Clearly gravity is the only force pulling on the extracted oil from thegel in the presence of silicone fluid at the gel-petri dish interface inthe examples below. In the case of gel samples in the petri dishes incontact with silicone fluids, the extracted oil are collected on the topsurface layer of the silicone fluid while the silicone fluid maintainconstant contact and surrounds the gel sample. In the case of gel placedin a test tube of silicone fluid of different viscosity, the oil isextracted and migrates and collect at the top of the silicone fluidsurface while the gel reduces in volume with time. The oil extractionprocess in silicone is accompanied by buoyant forces removing theextracted oil from the surroundings of the gel constantly surroundingthe gel with fresh silicone fluid while in the example of alcohol, sincethe oil is heavier, the oil is maintained and surrounds the gel sampleforming a equilibrium condition of oil surround the gel sample whilekeeping the alcohol from being in contact with the gel sample. Thereforein order to use alcohol to extract oil from a gel sample, the extractedoil must be constantly removed from the oil alcohol mixture as is thecase during soxhlet extraction which process requires additional energyto pump the oil-alcohol mixture away from the sample and removing theoil before forcing the alcohol back to the gel sample surface to performfurther extraction.

Silicone fluid is efficient and useful for extracting oil form oil gelcompositions with the assistance of gravity and buoyancy of oil in thesilicone fluids.

It is very difficult to extract, separate, or remove oil from an oil gelcomposition by positive or vacuum pressure or heat while using little orno energy and because of the affinity of the rubber midblock for oil,not even the weight of a two ton truck resting on a four square footarea (placing a layer of gel between four pairs of one foot squareparallel steel plates one set under each of the truck tire resting onthe gels) can separate the oil from the gel composition.

The use of silicone fluids of various viscosity acts as a liquid semiporous membrane when placed in constant contact with an oil gelcomposition will induce oil to migrate out of the gel composition. Bythe use of gravity or oil buoyancy, no energy is required run the oilextraction process.

In the case of the invention gels of this application made in the shapeof a fishing bait in contact with silicone fluid, the elastomer orrubber being highly compatible with the oil, holds the oil in placewithin the boundary of the rubber molecular phase. It is this affinityof the (i) rubber and oil molecules and (ii) the attraction of oilmolecules for each other that prevents the oil from bleeding out of thesurface of the gel body. There exist then, at the surface of the gelseveral types of surface tensions of: (iii) oil-air surface tension,(iv) oil-rubber surface tension, (v) rubber-air surface tension, (vi)rubber/oil-air surface tension, and (vii) rubber-rubber surface tension.Other forces acting on the gel are: the elastic force of the polymernetwork pulling inwards, similar to stretched out rubber bands, which isin equilibrium with the oil molecules' attraction to the rubbermolecules of the polymer network. In the case of SBS, the lowercompatibility of the midblock butadiene with oil, once a gel is made,the SBS network immediately contracts due to elastic forces to produceoil bleeding which is evidence of the poor compatibility of the rubberblock for the oil molecules.

The intermolecular forces that bind similar molecules together arecalled cohesive forces. Intermolecular forces that bind a substance to asurface are called adhesive forces.

When two liquids are in contact such as oil and silicone fluid, there isinterfacial tension. The more dense fluid is referred to herein as the“heavy phase” and the less dense fluid is referred to as the “lightphase”. The action at the surface of the oil extended polymer gelsurface when brought into contact with silicone fluid is as follows: adrop of silicone fluid when placed on the flat surface of a oil extendedpolymer gel will wet the gel surface and spread over a larger area ascompared to a drop of oil placed on the same gel surface. Because thesurface free energy of the silicone fluid in contact with the gelsurface is lower than the surface free energy of the oil, the siliconefluid has the ability to displaces the oil from the surface of the gel.

The invention gels can optionally comprise selected major or minoramounts of one or more polymers or copolymers (III) provided the amountsand combinations are selected without substantially decreasing thedesired properties. The polymers and copolymers can be linear,star-shaped, branched, or multiarm; these including: (SBS)styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, (SIS)styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, (low styrene content SEBSsuch as Kraton 1650 and 1652) styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene blockcopolymers, (SEP) styrene-ethylene-propylene block copolymers, (SEPSKraton RP-1618) styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers,(SB)n styrene-butadiene and (SEB)n, (SEBS)n, (SEP)n, (SI)nstyrene-isoprene multi-arm, branched or star-shaped copolymers,polyethyleneoxide (EO), poly(dimethylphenylene oxide) and the like.Still, other (III) polymers include homopolymers which can be utilizedin minor amounts; these include: polystyrene, polybutylene,polyethylene, polypropylene and the like.

In the case of high molecular weight and combination of high styrenecontent of the block copolymer which may be the reason for improve tearand fatigue resistance, these properties may be achieved and maintainedby blending (I) copolymers of SEEPS with (III) copolymers of SBS (KratonD 1101, 1144, 1116, 1118, 4141, 4150, 1133, 1184, 4158, 1401P, 4240, andKX219), SEBS (G1651, 1654).

Other (III) polymers useful in the invention gels include: oftrifluoromethyl-4,5-difuoro-1,3-dioxole and tetrafluoroethylene,polytetrafluoroethylene, maleated poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene),maleated poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, maleatedpoly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), maleatedpoly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n, maleatedpoly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene), poly(dimethylphenylene oxide),poly(ethylene-butylene), poly(ethylene-propylene),poly(ethylene-styrene)interpolymer made by metallocene catalysts, usingsingle site, constrained geometry addition polymerization catalysts,poly(styrene-butadiene), poly(styrene-butadiene)n,poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene),poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene)n, poly(styreneethylene-butylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene),poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n,poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene),poly(styrene-isoprene)n, poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene),poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene)n, polyamide, polybutylene, polybutylene,polycarbonate, polydimethylsiloxane; polyethylene vinyl alcoholcopolymer, polyethylene, polyethyleneoxide, polypropylene, polystyrene,polyvinyl alcohol, wherein said selected copolymer is a linear, radial,star-shaped, branched or multiarm copolymer, wherein n is greater thanone

When the selected (III) polymers and copolymers contain greater glassyblock of styrene content of 33 and higher, such may be effective toprovide a Gram Tack lower than a gelatinous composition having the samerigidity formed from the (I) block copolymers and corresponding firstplasticizers alone or the first plasticizers with a second plasticizers.The selected component (III) polymers of polystyrene forming a styrenecontent of 33 and higher when used in effective amounts may provide agreater temperature compression set than a gelatinous composition havingthe same rigidity formed from the (I) block copolymers and correspondingfirst plasticizers alone or the first plasticizers with a secondplasticizer.

On the other hand, the lower viscosity first plasticizer can impartlower Gram Tack to the invention gels than an increase of styrenecontent of the (I) copolymers or (III) polymers and copolymers. The lowtack and non tacky invention gels can be made from one or more linear,branched, star-shaped (radial), or multiarm block copolymers or mixturesof two or more such block copolymers having one or more midblock polymerchains which invention gels have use as articles with high tearpropagation resistance. The invention gels also possess high tensilestrength and rapid return from high extension and can exist in analtered state of delay elastomeric recovery as it regains its originalshape following high extensions or dynamic deformations. The inventiongels also exhibit low set, high dimensional stability, crack, tear,craze, and creep resistance, excellent tensile strength and highelongation, long service life under shear, stress and strain and capableof withstanding repeated dynamic shear, tear and stress forces,excellent processing ability for cast molding, extruding, fiber formingfilm forming and spinning, non-toxic, nearly tasteless and odorless,soft and strong, optically clear, highly flexible, possessing elasticmemory, substantially with little or no plasticizer bleedout, and havinglow or no tack in contact with human hand which reduction in tackinesscan be measured. The non tacky and optical properties of the inventiongels do not rely on powders or surface activation by additives toestablish their non-tackiness. The invention gels' non-tackinesspervasive the gels' entire bulk or volume. No matter how deep or inwhich direction a cut is made, the invention gels are non tackythroughout (at all points internally as well as on the gels' surface).Once the gel is cut, the invention gel immediately exhibitsnon-tackiness at its newly cut surface. Hence, the homogeneity of thenon-tackiness and optical properties of the invention gels are notknown.

Example of (III) polymers, copolymers, and blends include: (a) Kraton G1651, G 1654X; (b) Kraton G 4600; (c) Kraton G 4609; other suitable highviscosity polymer and oil s include: (d) Tuftec H 1051; (e) Tuftec H1041; (f) Tuftec H 1052; (g) low viscosity Kuraray SEEPS 4033(hydrogenated styrene isoprene/butadiene block copolymers, morespecifically, hydrogenated styrene block polymer with2-methyl-1,3-butadiene and 1,3-butadiene); (h) Kuraray SEBS 8006; (i)Kuraray SEPS 2005; (j) Kuraray SEPS 2006, and (k) blends (polyblends) of(a)–(h) with other polymers and copolymers include: (1) SEBS-SBS; (2)SEBS-SIS; (3) SEBS-(SEP); (4) SEBS-(SEB)n; (5) SEBS-(SEB)n; (6)SEBS-(SEP)n; (7) SEBS-(SI)n; (8) SEBS(SI) multiarm; (9) SEBS-(SEB)n;(10) (SEB)n star-shaped copolymer; (11) s made from blends of (a)–(k)with other homopolymers include: (12) SEBS/polystyrene; (13)SEBS/polybutylene; (14) SEBS/polyethylene; (14) SEBS/polypropylene; (16)SEP/SEBS, (17) SEP/SEPS, (18) SEP/SEPS/SEB, (19), SEPS/SEBS/SEP, (20),SEB/SEBS (21), EB-EP/SEBS (22), SEBS/EB (23), SEBS/EP (24), (25) (SEB)ns, (26) (SEP)n, (27) Kuraray 2007 (SEPS), (28) Kuraray 2002, (SEPS), andthe like.

Controlled distribution styrene block copolymers S-EB-EB/S-EB-S KratonGA with some styrene units in the elastomer segment. This reduces theirviscosity and makes them easier to process. The styrene content tapersdown from very little at the ends of the elastomer segment to a higherconcentration in the middle. the EB/S represents astyrene/ethylene/butylene copolymer segment with the maximum styrenecontent in the center.

Representative examples of commercial elastomers that can be combinedwith the multiblock and star-shaped copolymers (III) described aboveinclude: Shell Kratons D1101, D1102, D1107, D1111, D1112, D1113X,D1114X, D1116, D1117, D1118X, D1122X, D1125X, D1133X, D1135X, D1184,D1188X, D1300X, D1320X, D4122, D4141, D4158, D4240, G1650, G1652, G1657,G1701X, G1702X, G1726X, G1750X, G1765X, FG1901X, FG1921X, D2103, D2109,D2122X, D3202, D3204, D3226, D5298, D5999X, D7340, G1654X, G2701, G2703,G2705, G1706, G2721X, G7155, G7430, G7450, G7523X, G7528X, G7680, G7705,G7702X, G7720, G7722X, G7820, G7821X, G7827, G7890X, G7940, G1730(SEPSEP), FG1901X and FG1921X. Kuraray's SEPS, SEP/SEPS or SEP/SEB/SEPSNos. SEP 1001, SEP 1050, 2027, 2003, SEPS 2006, SEPS 2023, SEPS 2043,SEPS 2063, SEPS 2050, SEPS 2103, SEPS 2104, SEPS 2105, SEBS 8004, SEBS8007, H-VS-3 (S-V-EP-S) and the like. Dow poly(ethylene-styrene) randomcopolymers (interpolymers) produced by metallocene catalysts, usingsingle site, constrained geometry addition polymerization catalystsresulting in poly(ethylene-styrene) substantially random copolymers suchas ESI-#1 thru #38, including ES16, ES24, ES27, ES28, ES28, ES30, ES44with styrene wt % of 15.7, 23.7, 273, 28.1, 39.6 & 43.9 respectively, Mcopolymers (ES53, ES58, ES62, ES63, and ES69 with styrene wt % of 52.5,58.1, 62.7, 62.8, and 69.2 respectively and crystallinity, %, DSC, basedon copolymer of 37.5, 26.6, 17.4, 22.9, 19.6 and 5.0 respectively), Scopolymers (ES72, ES73, and ES74 with styrene wt % of 72.7, 72.8, and74.3 respectively). Other grade copolymers include ES60 (melt index 0.1,0.5, 3, 10), ES20 (MI=0.1, 0.5, 3, 11).

The Brookfield Viscosity of a 5 weight percent solids solution intoluene at 30° C. of 2006 is about 27. Typica Brookfield Viscosities ofa 10 weight percent solids solution in toluene at 30° C. of Kuraray SEP1001, SEP 1050, SEPS 2007, SEPS 2063, SEPS 2043, SEPS 2005, SEPS 2006,are about 70, 70, 17, 29, 32, 50, 1200, and 1220 respectively. TypicalBrookfield Viscosity of a 25 weight percent solids solution in tolueneat 25° C. of Kraton D1101, D1116, D1184, D1300X, G1701X, G1702X areabout 4000, 9000, 20000, 6000, 50000 and 50000 cps respectively. TypicalBrookfield Viscosity of a 10 weight percent solids solution in tolueneat 25° C. of G1654X is about 370 cps. The Brookfield Viscosities of a 20and 30 weight percent solids solution in toluene at 30° C. of H-VS-3 areabout 133 cps and 350 cps respectively. Other polymers such as,thermoplastic crystalline polyurethane copolymers with hydrocarbonmidblocks can also be employed.

The glassy A component type homopolymers can be advantageously added toprovide non-tackiness which are selected from one or more homopolymersof: polystyrene, poly(alpha-methylstyrene), poly(o-methylstyrene),poly(m-methylstryene), poly(p-methylstyrene), and poly(dimethylphenyleneoxide) (GE PPO 612 and Arizona XR 6504). Such glassy polymers can be usein forming the invention gel, but would increase hot tack.

The average molecular weight of the glassy homopolymers useful in theinvention gels advantageously can range from about 2,500 to about90,000, typical about 3,000; 4,000; 5,000; 6,000; 7,000; 8,000; 9,000;10,000; 11,000; 12,000, 13,000; 14,000; 15,000; 16,000; 17,000; 18,000;19,000; 20,000; 30,000; 40,000; 50,000; 60,000; 70,000; 80,000; 90,000and the like. Example of various molecular weights of commerciallyavailable polystyrene: Aldrich Nos.: 32,771-9 (2,500 Mw), 32,772-7(4,000 Mw), 37,951-4 (13,000 Mw), 32-774-3 (20,000 Mw), 32,775-1 (35,000Mw), 33,034-5 (50,000 Mw), 32,777-8 (90,000 Mw);poly(alpha-methylstyrene) #41,794-7 (1,300 Mw), 19,184-1 (4,000 Mw);poly(4-methylstyrene) #18,227-3 (72,000 Mw), Endex 155, 160, Kristalex120, 140 from Hercules Chemical, GE: Blendex HPP820, HPP822, HPP823, andthe like.

Suitable triblock copolymers (III) and their typical viscosities arefurther described: styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers(SEBS) available from Shell Chemical Company and Pecten Chemical Company(divisions of Shell Oil Company) under trade designations Kraton G 1651,Kraton G 1654X, Kraton G 4600, Kraton G 4609 and the like. ShellTechnical Bulletin SC:1393-92 gives solution viscosity as measured witha Brookfield model RVT viscometer at 25° C. for Kraton G 1654X at 10%weight in toluene of approximately 400 cps and at 15% weight in tolueneof approximately 5,600 cps. Shell publication SC:68-79 gives solutionviscosity at 25° C. for Kraton G 1651 at 20 weight percent in toluene ofapproximately 2,000 cps. When measured at 5 weight percent solution intoluene at 30° C., the solution viscosity of Kraton G 1651 is about 40.Examples of high viscosity SEBS triblock copolymers includes Kuraray'sSEBS 8006 which exhibits a solution viscosity at 5 weight percent at 30°C. of about 51 cps. Kuraray's 2006 SEPS polymer exhibits a viscosity at20 weight percent solution in toluene at 30° C. of about 78,000 cps, at5 weight percent of about 27 cps, at 10 weight percent of about 1220cps, and at 20 weight percent 78,000 cps. Kuraray SEPS 2005 polymerexhibits a viscosity at 5 weight percent solution in toluene at 30° C.of about 28 cps, at 10 weight percent of about 1200 cps, and at 20weight percent 76,000 cps. Other grades of SEBS, SEPS, (SEB)n, (SEP)npolymers can also be utilized in the present invention provided suchpolymers exhibits the required high viscosity. Such SEBS polymersinclude (high viscosity) Kraton G 1855X which has a Specific Gravity of0.92, Brookfield Viscosity of a 25 weight percent solids solution intoluene at 25° C. of about 40,000 cps or about 8,000 to about 20,000 cpsat a 20 weight percent solids solution in toluene at 25° C.

The styrene to ethylene and butylene (S:EB) weight ratios for the Shelldesignated polymers can have a low range of 20:80 or less. Although thetypical ratio values for Kraton G 1651, 4600, and 4609 are approximatelyabout 33:67 and for Kraton G 1855X approximately about 27:73, Kraton G1654X (a lower molecular weight version of Kraton G 1651 with somewhatlower physical properties such as lower solution and melt viscosity) isapproximately about 31:69, these ratios can vary broadly from thetypical product specification values. In the case of Kuraray's SEBSpolymer 8006 the S:EB weight ratio is about 35:65. In the case ofKuraray's 2005 (SEPS), and 2006 (SEPS), the S:EP weight ratios are 20:80and 35:65 respectively. Much like S:EB ratios of SEBS and (SEB)n, theSEP ratios of very high viscosity SEPS triblock copolymers are about thesame and can typically vary as broadly.

The triblock copolymers (III) such as Kraton G 1654X having ratios of31:69 or higher can be used and do exhibit about the same physicalproperties in many respects to Kraton G 1651 while Kraton G 1654X withratios below 31:69 may also be use, but they are less advantageous dueto their decrease in the desirable properties of the final gel.

The high glassy component copolymers suitable for use in forming theinvention gel include high styrene component BASFs Styroflex seriescopolymers including BX 6105 with a statistical SB sequence for the lowelastomeric segments (styrene to butadiene ratio of 1:1) and an overallstyrene content of almost 70%, high styrene content Shell Kraton G,Kraton D-1122X (SB)n, D-4122 SBS, D-4240 (SB)n, D-4230 (SB)n, DX-1150SBS, D-4140 SBS, D-1115 SBS, D-4222 SBS, Kraton D-1401P, SEBS, Dexco'sVector 6241-D, 4411-D, Fina's Finaclear high styrene content SBS seriescopolymers, Phillips Petroleum's XK40 K-Resin styrene/butadienecopolymers, Kuraray's S2104 SEPS. The copolymers include amorphouspolymers with high styrene content: SBS, SIS, SEPS, SEB/EPS, and thelike. The copolymers with glassy to elastomeric ratios can range from37:63, 37.6:62.4, 38:62, 39:61, 40:60, 41:59, 42:58, 43:57, 44:65,45:55, 46:54, 47:53, 48:52, 49:51, 50:50, 51:49, 52:48, 53:47, 54:46,55:45, 56:44, 57:43, 58:42, 59:41, 60:40, 6:39, 62:38, 63:37, 64:36,65:35, 66:34, 67:33, 68:32, 69:31, 70:30, 7:29, 72:28, 73:27, 74:26,75:25, 76:24, 77:23, 78:22, 79:21, to 80:20 and higher. High styrenecontent Dow ES30, and ES44 with styrene wt % of 15.7, 23.7, 27.3, 28.1,39.6 & 43.9 respectively, M copolymers (ES53, ES58, ES62, ES63, and ES69with styrene wt % of 52.5, 58.1, 62.7, 62.8, and 69.2 respectively andcrystallinity, %, DSC, based on copolymer of 37.5, 26.6, 17.4, 22.9,19.6 and 5.0 respectively, S copolymers ES72, ES73, and ES74 withstyrene wt % of 72.7, 72.8, and 74.3 respectively may also be used.These hard to process polymers can be added (from 0.01 to 30 parts byweight) by dry blending in combination with 200–400 parts oil and withSEEPS 4055, 4033, 4077, 4045 and the like and extruded at about between75° C.–135° C. to form a pre-blend and then formulated with additionaloil or/or oil and (I) copolymers to produce the final invention gel.

Suitable polyolefins include polyethylene and polyethylene copolymerssuch as Dow Chemical Company's Dowlex 3010, 2021D, 2038, 2042A, 2049,2049A, 2071, 2077, 2244A, 2267A; Dow Affinity ethylene alpha-olefinresin PL-1840, SE-1400, SM-1300; more suitably: Dow Elite 5100, 5110,5200, 5400, Primacor 141-XT, 1430, 1420, 1320, 3330, 3150, 2912, 3340,3460; Dow Attane (ultra low density ethylene-octene-1 copolymers) 4803,4801, 4602, Eastman Mxsten CV copolymers of ethylene and hexene(0.905–0.910 g/cm3).

On the other hand, the molten gelatinous elastomer composition willadhere sufficiently to certain plastics (e.g. acrylic, ethylenecopolymers, nylon, polybutylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyester,polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene copolymers, and the like) providedthe temperature of the molten gelatinous elastomer composition issufficient high to fuse or nearly fuse with the plastic. In order toobtain sufficient adhesion to glass, ceramics, or certain metals,sufficient temperature is also required (e.g. above 250° F.).

The incorporation of such adhesion resins is to provide strong anddimensional stable adherent invention gels, gel composites, and gelarticles. Typically such adherent invention gels can be characterized asadhesive invention gels, soft adhesives or adhesive sealants. Strong andtear resistant adherent invention gels may be formed with variouscombinations of substrates or adhere (attach, cling, fasten, hold,stick) to substrates to form adherent gel/substrate articles andcomposites.

The present invention gel can also contain useful amounts ofconventionally employed additives such as stabilizers, antioxidants,antiblocking agents, colorants, fragrances, flame retardants, flavors,other polymers in minor amounts and the like to an extend not affectingor substantially decreasing the desired properties. Additives useful inthe gel of the present invention include: tetrakis[methylene3,-(3′5′di-tertbutyl-4″-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]methane, octadecyl3(3″,5″-di-tert-butyl-4″-hydroxyphenyl)propionate,distearyl-pentaerythitol-diproprionate, thiodiethylenebis-(3,5-ter-butyl-4-hydroxy)hydrocinnamate,(1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris[3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl]benzene),4,4″-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), Tinuvin P, 123, 144, 213,234, 326, 327, 328, 571, 622, 770, 765, Chimassorb 119, 944, 2020,Uvitex OB, Irganox 245, 1076, 1098, 1135, 5057, HP series: 2215, 2225,2921, 2411, 136, stearic acid, oleic acid, stearamide, behenamide,oleamide, erucamide, N,N″-ethylenebisstearamide,N,N″-ethylenebisoleamide, sterryl erucamide, erucyl erucamide, oleylpalmitamide, stearyl stearamide, erucyl stearamide, calcium sterate,other metal sterates, waxes (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene,microcrystalline, carnauba, paraffin, montan, candelilla, beeswax,ozokerite, cersine, and the like). The gel can also contain metallicpigments (aluminum and brass flakes), TiO2, mica, fluorescent dyes andpigments, phosphorescent pigments, aluminatrihydrate, antimony oxide,iron oxides (Fe3O4, —Fe2O3, etc.), iron cobalt oxides, chromium dioxide,iron, barium ferrite, strontium ferrite and other magnetic particlematerials, molybdenum, silicone fluids, lake pigments, aluminates,ceramic pigments, ironblues, ultramarines, phthalocynines, azo pigments,carbon blacks, silicon dioxide, silica, clay, feldspar, glass,microspheres, barium ferrite, wollastonite and the like. The report ofthe committee on Magnetic Materials, Publication NMAB-426, NationalAcademy Press (1985) is incorporated herein by reference.

Various glassy phase associating resins having softening points aboveabout 120° C. can also serve as additives to increase the glassy phaseof the Invention gel and met the non-tackiness criteria, these include:Hydrogenated aromatic resins (Regalrez 1126, 1128, 1139, 3102, 5095, and6108), hydrogenated mixed aromatic resins (Regalite R125), and otheraromatic resin (Picco 5130, 5140, 9140, Cumar LX509, Cumar 130, Lx-1035)and the like.

The commercial resins which can aid in adhesion to materials (plastics,glass, and metals) may be added in minor amounts to the invention gels,these resins include: polymerized mixed olefins (Super Sta-tac,Betaprene Nevtac, Escorez, Hercotac, Wingtack, Piccotac), polyterpene(Zonarez, Nirez, Piccolyte, Sylvatac), glycerol ester of rosin (Foral),pentaerythritol ester of rosin (Pentalyn), saturated alicyclichydrocarbon (Arkon P), coumarone indene, hydrocarbon (Picco 6000,Regalrez), mixed olefin (Wingtack), alkylated aromatic hydrocarbon(Nevchem), Polyalphamethylstyrene/vinyl toluene copolymer (Piccotex),polystyrene (Kristalex, Piccolastic), special resin (LX-1035), and thelike.

In my U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,117, is described a non-adhering gel which ismade non-adhearing, by incorporating an advantage amount of stearic acid(octadecanoic acid), metal stearates (e.g., calcium stearate, magnesiumstearate, zinc stearate, etc.), polyethylene glycol distearate,polypropylene glycol ester or fatty acid, and polytetramethylene oxideglycol disterate, waxes, stearic acid and waxes, metal stearate andwaxes, metal stearate and stearic acid. Such non-adhering gels byincluding additives are no longer optical clear and with time some ofthe additives blooms uncontrollably to the gel surface.

The invention gels are also suitable for forming composites combinationswith various substrates. The substrate materials are selected from thegroup consisting of paper, foam, plastic, fabric, metal, metal foil,concrete, wood, glass, various natural and synthetic fibers, includingglass fibers, ceramics, synthetic resin, and refractory materials.

The invention gels can also be made into composites. The invention gelscan be casted unto various substrates, such as open cell materials,metals, ceramics, glasses, and plastics, elastomers, fluropolymers,expanded fluropolymers, Teflon (TFE, PTFE, PEA, FEP, etc), expandedTeflon, spongy expanded nylon, etc.; the molten gel composition isdeformed as it is being cooled. Useful open-cell plastics include:polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, polyisocyanurates, polyisocyanates,polyurethanes, poly(vinyl alcohol), etc. Open-celled Plastic (sponges)suitable for use with the compositions are described in “ExpandedPlastics and Related Products”, Chemical Technology Review No. 221,Noyes Data Corp., 1983, and “Applied Polymer Science”, Organic Coatingsand Plastic Chemistry, 1975. These publications are incorporated hereinby reference.

The invention gels denoted as “G” can be physically interlocked with aselected material denoted as “M” to form composites as denoted forsimplicity by their combinations GnGn, GnMn, GnMnGn, MnGnMn, MnGnGn,GnGnMn, MnMnGn, MnMnMnGn, MnMnMnGnMn, MnGnGnMn, GnMnGnGn, GnMnMnGn,GnMnMnGn, GnGnMn Mn, GnGnMn GnMn, GnMnGnGn, GnGnMn, GnMnGnMnMn, MnGnMnGnMnGn, GnGnMnMnGn, GnGnMnGnMn Gn, and the like or any of theirpermutations of one or more Gn with Mn and the like, wherein when n is asubscript of M, n is the same or different selected from the groupconsisting of foam, plastic, fabric, metal, concrete, wood, glass,ceramics, synthetic resin, synthetic fibers or refractory materials andthe like; wherein when n is a subscript of G, n denotes the same or adifferent gel rigidity of from less than about 2 gram to about 1,800gram Bloom and higher).

Furthermore, the interlocking materials with the gel of the inventionmay be made from flexible materials, such as fibers and fabrics ofcotton, flax, and silk. Other flexible materials include: elastomers,fiber-reinforced composites, mohair, and wool. Useful synthetic fibersinclude: acetate, acrylic, aremid, glass, modacrylic polyethylene,nylon, olefin, polyester, rayon, spandex, carbon, sufar,polybenzimidazole, and combinations of the above. Useful open-cellplastics include: polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, polyisocyanurates,polyisocyanates, polyurethanes, poly(vinyl alcohol), etc. Open-celledPlastic (foams) suitable for use with the compositions of the inventionare described in “Expanded Plastics and Related Products”, ChemicalTechnology Review No. 221, Noyes Data Corp., 1983, and “Applied PolymerScience”, Organic Coatings and Plastic Chemistry, 1975. Thesepublications are incorporated herein by reference. These include: openand non-opened cell silicone, polyurethane, polyethylene, neoprene,polyvinyl chloride, polyimide, metal, ceramic, polyether, polyester,polystyrene, polypropylene. Example of such foams are: Thanol®, Arcol®,Ugipol®, Arcel®, Arpak®, Arpro®, Arsan®, Dylite®, Dytherm®, Styrofoam®,Trymer®, Dow Ethafoam®, Ensolite®, Scotfoam®, Pyrell®, Volana®,Trocellen®, Minicel®, and the like.

Sandwiches of gel-material (i.e. gel-material-gel ormaterial-gel-material, etc.) are useful as dental floss, shockabsorbers, acoustical isolators, vibration dampers, vibration isolators,and wrappers. For example the vibration isolators can be use underresearch microscopes, office equipment, tables, and the like to removebackground vibrations. The tear resistance nature of the invention gelsare superior in performance to triblock copolymer gels which are muchless resistance to crack propagation caused by long term continuedynamic loadings.

Adhesion to substrates is most desirable when it is necessary to applythe adherent invention gels to substrates in the absence of heat or onto a low temperature melting point substrate for later peel off afteruse, such as for sound damping of a adherent gel composite applied to afirst surface and later removed for use on a second surface. The lowmelting substrate materials which can not be exposed to the high heat ofthe molten adherent invention gels, such as low melting metals, lowmelting plastics (polyethylene, PVC, PVE, PVA, and the like) can only beformed by applying the adherent invention gels to the temperaturesensitive substrates. Other low melting plastics include: polyolefinssuch as polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, ethylene alpha-olefnresin, ultra low density ethylene-octene-1 copolymers, copolymers ofethylene and hexene, polypropylene, and etc. Other cold applied adherentgels to teflon type polymers: TFE, PTFE, PEA, FEP, etc., polysiloxane assubstrates are achieved using the adherent invention gel.

Likewise, adherent gel substrate composites can be both formed bycasting hot onto a substrate and then after cooling adhering theopposite side of the adherent gel to a substrate having a low meltingpoint. The adherent gel is most essential when it is not possible tointroduce heat in an heat sensitive or explosive environment or in outerspace. The use of solid or liquid resins promotes adherent gel adhesionto various substrates both while the adherent gel is applied hot or atroom temperature or below or even under water. The adherent inventiongels can be applied without heating to paper, foam, plastic, fabric,metal, concrete, wood, wire screen, refractory material, glass,synthetic resin, synthetic fibers, and the like.

The adhesion properties of the invention gels are determined bymeasuring comparable rolling ball tack distance “D” in cm using astandard diameter “d” in mm stainless steel ball rolling off an inclinedof height “H” in cm. Adhesion can also be measured by determining theaverage force required to perform 180° C. peel of a heat formed G1M1 oneinch width sample applied at room temperature to a substrate M2 to formthe composite M1G1M2. The peel at a selected standard rate cross-headseparation speed of 25 cm/minute at room temperature is initiated at theG1M2 interface of the M1G1M2 composite, where the substrate M2 can beany of the substrates mentioned and M1 preferably a flexible fabric.

Glassy phase associating homopolymers such as polystyrene and aromaticresins having low molecular weights of from about 2.500 to about 90,000can be blended with the triblock copolymers of the invention in largeamounts with or without the addition of plasticizer to provide acopolymer-resin alloy of high impact strengths. More advantageously,when blended with multiblock copolymers and substantially randomcopolymers the impact strengths can be even higher. The impact strengthof blends of from about 150 to about 1,500 parts by weight glass phaseassociating polymer and resins to 100 parts by weight of one or moremultiblock copolymers can provide impact strength approaching those ofsoft metals. At the higher loadings, the impact strength approaches thatof polycarbonates of about 12 ft-lb/in notch and higher.

The invention gel are non tacky to the touch and can be quantified usinga simple test by taking a freshly cut Gel probe of a selected gelrigidity made from the invention gel. The gel probe is a substantiallyuniform cylindrical shape of length “L” of at least about 3.0 cm formedcomponents (1)–(3) of the invention gel in a 16×150 mm test tube. Thegel probe so formed has a 16 mm diameter hemi-spherical tip which (notunlike the shape of a human finger tip) is brought into perpendicularcontact about substantially the center of the top cover of a new,untouched polystyrene reference surface (for example the top coversurface of a sterile polystyrene petri dish) having a diameter of 100 mmand a weight of 7.6 gram resting on its thin circular edge (whichminimizes the vacuum or partial pressure effects of one flat surface incontact with another flat surface) on the flat surface of a scale whichscale is tared to zero. The probe's hemi-spherical tip is place incontact with the center of the top of the petri dish cover surface andallowed to remain in contact by the weight of the gel probe while heldin the upright position and then lifted up. Observation is maderegarding the probe's tackiness with respect to the clean referencepolystyrene surface. For purpose of the foregoing reference tack test,tackiness level 0 means the polystyrene dish cover is not lifted fromthe scale by the probe and the scale shows substantially an equalpositive weight and negative weight swings before settling again back tozero with the swing indicated in (negative) grams being less than 1.0gram. A tackiness level of one 1, means a negative swing of greater than1.0 gram but less than 2.0 gram, tackiness level 2, means a negativeswing of greater than 2 gram but less than 3 gram, tackiness level 3,means a negative swing of greater than 3 gram but less than 4 gram,before settling back to the zero tared position or reading. Likewise,when the negative weight swing of the scale is greater than the weightof the dish (i.e., for the example referred above, greater than 7.6gram), then the scale should correctly read −7.6 gram which indicatesthe dish has completely been lifted off the surface of the scale. Suchan event would demonstrate the tackiness of a gel probe havingsufficient tack on the probe surface. The invention gel fails to liftoff the polystyrene reference from the surface of the scale when subjectto the foregoing reference tack test. Advantageously, the invention gelcan register a tackiness level of less than 5, more advantageously, lessthan 3, still more advantageously, less than 2, and still moreadvantageously less than 1. The non-tackiness of the invention gel canadvantageously range from less than 6 to less than 0.5 grams, typicaltack levels are less than 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0,1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5,2.8, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 grams and the like. Whereas probes of gelsmade from amorphous gels such as SEPS, SEBS, S-EP-EB-S, and the likewith copolymer styrene to rubber ratio of less than 37:63 andplasticizer of higher than 30 cSt 40° C. are found to lift thepolystyrene reference from the surface of the scale. For purposes ofindicating tack, the method above can provide gel tack level readings of1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 grams. More accurate and sensitive readings canbe made using electronic scales of tack levels of less than 1 gram. Bythis simple method tack levels (of a gel probe on a polystyrenereference surface) can be measure in terms of gram weight displacementof a scale initially tared to zero. For purpose of the present inventionthe method of using a polystyrene reference surface having a weight of7.6 grams in contact and being lifted by the tackiness of a cylindricalgel probe having a 16 mm diameter hemi-spherical tip is used todetermine the tackiness of the invention gel. The level of tack beingmeasured in gram Tack at 23° C.

Non tacky is defined for the purpose of the invention gel as the feelingregistered in the mind by the sense of touch of the fingers of the humanhand. An reinforcing observation is that a non tacky reference gelsample does not cling or stick to the fingers under its own weight whenthe force of holding the reference gel sample between the fingers isreleased and the sample is allowed to fall by the action of gravity. Asimple way to accurately measure the non tacky feeling as sensed by thefingers is to drop a reference gel sample having a cylindrical shape ofabout 1.0 cm diameter and 1.0 cm in length a distance of 10 cm on to thesurface of a polystyrene petri dish having a diameter of 10 cm inclinedat 45′. The reference gel sample is considered non tacky if it (1)“bounce at least twice before coming to rest”, (2) “bounce off”, (3)“bounce and then rolls off”, or (4) “rolls off” on striking thepolystyrene surface. If none of (1) thru (4) is observed, then the levelof Gram Tack can be determined by the gel sample method above.

The invention gel can also contain useful amounts of conventionallyemployed additives such as stabilizers, antioxidants, antiblockingagents, colorants, fragrances, flame retardants, other polymers in minoramounts and the like to an extend not affecting or substantiallydecreasing the desired properties of the present invention.

The invention gels are prepared by blending together the components (I,II, or III) including the various additives as desired at about 23° C.to about 100° C. forming a paste like mixture and further heating saidmixture uniformly to about 150° C. to about 200° C. until a homogeneousmolten blend is obtained lower and higher temperatures can also beutilized depending on the viscosity of the oils and amounts ofmultiblock copolymers (I) and polymer (III) used. These components blendeasily in the melt and a heated vessel equipped with a stirrer is allthat is required. Small batches can be easily blended in a test tubeusing a glass stirring rod for mixing. While conventional large vesselswith pressure and/or vacuum means can be utilized in forming largebatches of the instant compositions in amounts of about 40 lbs or lessto 10,000 lbs or more. For example, in a large vessel, inert gases canbe employed for removing the composition from a closed vessel at the endof mixing and a partial vacuum can be applied to remove any entrappedbubbles. Stirring rates utilized for large batches can range from aboutless than 10 rpm to about 40 rpm or higher.

The invention gel can also contain gases as an additive, i.e. the gelcan be foamed. Foam is herein defined as tightly or loosely packingaggregation of gas bubbles, separated from each other by thin or thicklayers of gel. Many types of foamed invention gels (from ultra highdensity to ultra low density) can be produced as desired by (i) addinggas to the molten gel during processing, and (ii) producing gas in themolten gel during processing. Gas can be added by whipping a gas intothe molten gel before it cools or introduce a gas into the molten geland then expand or reduce the size of the gas bubbles by reducing thepressure to reduce the bubbles size or applying high pressure to expandthe bubbles size. In this regard, inert gases such as Carbon dioxide,Nitrogen, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon and Radon are suitable.Air can also be used. Gas can be produced in the molten gel by addingone or more of a “blowing agent” to the. Useful blowing agents includedinitroso compounds, such as dinitroso pentamethylene-tetramine,azodicarbonamide, 4,4′oxybis(benzenesulfonyl)hydrazine,5-phenyltetrarole, p-toluenesulfonyl semicarbazide, sulfonyl hydrazide,such as benzene sulfonylhydrazide. Water can be used as a “blowingagent” to produce varying density of foam invention gels; water used toadvantage can be in the form of mist, droplets, steam, and hot or coldwater. The density of the foam invention gels can vary from less than1.00 kilograms per cubic meter to near the solid gel density. Althoughthe materials forming soft solid invention gels may be more shearresistant, the same materials when made into a foam become much lessshear resistant.

The gel articles can be formed by blending, injection molding,extruding, spinning, casting and other conventional methods. Forexample, Shapes having various crossection can be extruded using aHP-2000 Mixing extruder from Dektron Scientific Instruments ofPlainfield, N.J. 07060, USA.

In general, the basis of this invention resides in the fact that one ormore of a high viscosity linear multiblock and star-shaped multiblockcopolymers (I) or a mixture of two or more of such copolymers having (A)end block to elastomeric block ratio preferably within the contemplatedrange of styrene to rubber ratios of from about 20:80 to about 40:60 andhigher, more preferably from between about 31:69 to about 40:60 andhigher when blended in the melt with an appropriate amount ofplasticizing oil makes possible the attainment of invention gels havinga desirable combination of physical and mechanical properties, notablyhigh elongation at break of at least 1,600%, ultimate tensile strengthof about 8×105 dyne/cm2 and higher, low elongation set at break ofsubstantially not greater than about 2%, tear resistance of 5×105dyne/cm2 and higher, substantially about 100% snap back when extended to1,200% elongation.

More specifically, the invention gels of the present invention exhibitone or more of the following properties. These are: (1) tensile strengthof about 8×105 dyne/cm2 to about 107 dyne/cm2 and greater; (2)elongation of less than about 1,600% to about 3,000% and higher; (3)elasticity modulus of about 104 dyne/cm2 to about 106 dyne/cm2 andgreater; (4) shear modulus of about 104 dyne/cm2 to about 106 dyne/cm2and greater as measured with a 1, 2, and 3 kilogram load at 23° C.; (5)gel rigidity of about less than about 2 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gramBloom and higher; (6) tear propagation resistance of at least about5×105 dyne/cm2; (7) and substantially 100% snap back recovery whenextended at a crosshead separation speed of 25 cm/minute to 1,200% at23° C. Properties (1), (2), (3), and (6) above are measured at acrosshead separation speed of 25 cm/minute at 23° C.

As the invention gels formed from multiblock copolymers (I) having moreand more midblock polymer chains can be expected to exhibit greaterdelay recovery form extension or longer relaxation times with increasingnumber of midblocks and increasing midblock lengths, such invention gelshaving more than three midblocks forming the copolymers (I) can exhibitextreme tear resistance and excellent tensile strength while at the sametime exhibit almost liquid like properties. For example, a fun toy canbe made from (S-E-EB-E-S), (S-B-EB-EB-S), (S-E-EP-E-EP-S),(S-P-EB-P-EB-S), (S-E-EB-E-EB-E-S), (S-E-EP-E-EP-E-EP-ES), (S-E-EP-EP)n,(S-B-EP-E-EP)n, (S-E-EP-E-EP-E)n, (S-E-EB-E-EB-E-EB-E-EB-S)n copolymerinvention gels which are molded into cube shapes when placed on thesurface of a incline will collect it self together and flow down theincline as a moving body much like a volume of water moving on a highsurface tension surface. This is due to the greater distance between theend block (A) domains. Such liquid like performing invention gels can bevery strong and exhibit extreme tear resistance as exhibited byinvention gels made from (S-E-EP-S) multiblock copolymer invention gelswith shorter (A) distance between domains. Such liquid like inventiongels when shaped into a cube will be deformed by the force of gravity onEarth, but will retain its memory and regain to its molded cube shapewhen released in outer space or reform into a cube if let loose in acontainer of liquid of equal density. As a comparison, such a toy formedin the shape of a large cube from a high viscosity triblock copolymerwith a plasticizer content of 1:1,600 parts will be flattened by theforce of gravity and run down an incline, but is very fragile and willstart to tear if attempt is made to pick it up by hand. This is anexcellent comparison of the difference of tear resistance differencebetween triblock copolymer gels and multiblock copolymer invention gels.A useful application is to use such an elastic liquid gel volume to filla container or to encapsulate an electrical or electronic component in acontainer filling every available space, when needed, the shapeless gelvolume can be removed by pouring it out of the container whole.

The most surprising, unexpected, versatile use of the composition isdental flossing. The dental floss can be almost any shape so long as itis suitable for dental flossing. A thick shaped piece of the compositioncan be stretched into a thin shape and used for flossing. A thinnershaped piece would require less stretching, etc. For purposes of dentalflossing, while flossing between two closely adjacent teeth, especiallybetween two adjacent teeth with substantial contact points and moreespecially between two adjacent teeth with substantial amalgam alloymetal contact points showing no gap between the teeth, it is criticalthat the gel resist tearing, shearing, and crazing while being stretchedto a high degree in such situations. For example, dental gel floss cantake the form of a disk where the segments of the circumference of thedisk is stretched for flossing between the teeth. Other shaped articlessuitable for flossing include threads, strips, yarns, tapes, etc.,mentioned above.

In order for invention gels to be useful as a dental floss, it mustovercome the difficult barriers of high shearing and high tearing underextreme elongation and tension loads. The difficulties that theinvention gels must overcome during flossing can be viewed as follows:during the action of flossing, the gel is stretched from no less thanabout 200% to about 1,100% or higher, the gel floss is deformed as it ispulled down with tearing action between the contacting surfaces of theteeth, then, the wedge of gel floss is sheared between the innercontacting surfaces of the teeth, and finally, the elongated wedged ofgel floss is pulled upwards and out between the surfaces of the teeth.The forces encountered in the act of flossing are: tension, shearing,tearing under extreme tension.

This invention advances the flossing art by providing strong, soft, andextreme tear resistant invention gels made from multiblock copolymerswhich invention gels are substantially as soft as the gums surroundingthe teeth.

The invention gels can also be formed directly into articles or remeltedin any suitable hot melt applicator and extruded into shaped articlesand films or spun into threads, strips, bands, yarns, or other shapesusing a tubing header, multi-strand header, wire coating header, and thelike. With respect to various shapes and yarn, its size areconventionally measured in denier (grams/9000 meter), tex (grams/1000meter), and gage (1/2.54 cm). Gage, tex, denier can be converted asfollows: tex=denier/9=specific gravity (2135/gage), for rectangularcross section, tex=specific gravity·(5806×103)(th)(w)/9, where th is thethickness and w the width of the strip, both in centimeters. Generaldescriptions of (1) block copolymers, (2) elastomeric fibers andconventional (3) gels are found in volume 2, starting at pp. 324–415,volume 6, pp 733–755, and volume 7, pp. 515 of ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POLYMERSCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, 1987 which volumes are incorporated herein byreference.

The invention gels is excellent for cast molding and the molded productshave various excellent characteristics which cannot be anticipated formthe properties of the raw components. Other conventional methods offorming the composition can be utilized.

The high viscosity SEEPS type block copolymers with -E- midblock canachieve improvements in one or more physical properties includingimproved damage tolerance, improved crack propagation resistance,improved tear resistance, improved resistance to fatigue of the bulk geland resistance to catastrophic fatigue failure of gel composites, suchas between the surfaces of the gel and substrate or at the interfaces ofthe interlocking material(s) and gel, which improvements are not foundin amorphous gels at corresponding gel rigidities.

As an example, when fabric interlocked or saturated with amorphousS-EB-S gels (gel composites) are used as gel liners for lower limb orabove the knee prosthesis to reduce pain over pressure areas and giverelief to the amputee, the commonly used amorphous gels forming theliners can tear or rip apart during marathon racewalk after 50–70 miles.In extended use, the amorphous gels can rip on the bottom of the linerin normal racewalk training of 40–60 miles over a six weeks period. Insuch demanding applications, the invention gels are especiallyadvantageous and is found to have greater tear resistance and resistanceto fatigue resulting from a large number of deformation cycles thanamorphous gels. The invention gels are also useful for forming variousorthotics and prosthetic articles such as for lower extremity prosthesisof the L5664 (lower extremity socket insert, above knee), L5665 (socketinsert, multi-durometer, below knee), L5666 (below knee, cuff suspensioninterface), L5667 (below knee, above knee, socket insert, suctionsuspension with locking mechanism) type devices as described by theAmerican Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) codes. The inventiongels are useful for making AOPA code devices for upper extremityprosthetics. The devices can be cast molded or injection molded incombination with or without fiber or fabric backing or fiber or fabricreinforcement. When such liners are made without fabric backing, variousinvention gels can be used to form gel-gel and gel-gel-gel compositesand the like with varying gel rigidities for the different gel layer(s).

Health care devices such as face masks for treatment of sleep disorderrequire non tacky invention gel. The gel forming a gel overlap portionon the face cup at its edge conforming to the face and serve to providecomfort and maintain partial air or oxygen pressure when worn on theface during sleep. Although tacky gels can be made from the inventiongel, tacky gels because of its tactile feel are undesirable for suchapplications as face masks and other prolong skin contact uses.

The invention gel can be formed into gel stands, gel bands, gel tapes,gel sheets, and other articles of manufacture in combination with orwithout other substrates or materials such as natural or syntheticfibers, multifibers, fabrics, films and the like. Moreover, because oftheir improved tear resistance and resistance to fatigue, the inventiongels exhibit versatility as balloons for medical uses, such as balloonfor valvuloplasty of the mitral valve, gastrointestinal balloon dilator,esophageal balloon dilator, dilating balloon catheter use in coronaryangiogram and the like. Since the invention gels are more tearresistant, they are especially useful for making condoms, toy balloons,and surgical and examination gloves. As toy balloons, the invention gelsare safer because it will not rupture or explode when punctured as wouldlatex balloons which often times cause injures or death to children bychoking from pieces of latex rubber. The invention gels areadvantageously useful for making gloves, thin gloves for surgery andexamination and thicker gloves for vibration damping which preventsdamage to blood capillaries in the fingers and hand caused by handlingstrong shock and vibrating equipment. Various other gel articles can bemade from the advantageously tear resistant invention gels and inventiongel composites of the inventions include gel suction sockets, suspensionbelts,

The invention gels are also useful for forming orthotics and prostheticarticles such as for lower extremity prosthesis described below. Porous,webbing or matting that are skin breathe-able comprising the gel strandscan be formed into a webs or matting by cold forming sandwiched gelstrand-composites using alkyl cyanoacrylates such as ethyl, butyl,methyl, propyl cyanoacrylates and the like. The alkyl cyanoacrylates(AC) will interlock with the soft gelatinous elastomer composition ofthe invention, thereby resulting in gel-(AC)-gel composite webbing ormatting articles. Alkyl cyanoacrylates are useful for interlocking gelof the invention with other substrates such as pottery, porcelain, wood,metal, plastics, such as acrylics, ABS, EPDM, nylon Fiberglass,phenoics, plexiglass, polycarbonate, polyesters, polystyrene, PVC,urethanes and the like. Other cyanoacrylates such as cyanoacrylate esterare inhibited and do not interlock with the invention gels.

In applications where extreme tear resistance, low rigidity, highelongation, good compression set and excellent tensile strength areimportant, the invention gels would be advantageous. The invention gelscan be formed into any desired shaped, size and thickness suitable as acushion; the shaped composition can be additionally surrounded withfilm, fabric, foam, or any other desired material or combinationsthereof. The original shape can be deformed into another shape (tocontact a regular or irregular surface) by pressure and upon removal ofthe applied pressure, the composition in the deformed shape will recoverback to its original shape. A cushion can be made by forming thecomposition into a selected shape matching the contours of the specificbody part or body region. Moreover, the composition can be casted ontosuch materials, provided such materials substantially maintain theirintegrity (shape, appearance, texture, etc.) during the casting process.The same applies for brace cushions for the hand, wrist, finger,forearm, knee, leg, etc.

Other uses include: shaped articles as toys, optical uses (e.g. claddingfor cushioning optical fibers from bending stresses) and various opticaldevices, as lint removers, dental floss, as tips for swabs, as softelastic fishing baits, as a high vacuum seal (against atmospherepressure) which contains a useful amount of a mineral oil-based magneticfluid particles, in the form of (casted, extruded, or spun formed)threads, strips, yarns, strands, tapes which can be weaved into cloths,fine or coarse fabrics. Still other uses include: games; novelty, orsouvenir items; elastomeric lenses, light conducing articles, opticalfiber connectors; athletic and sports equipment and articles; medicalequipment and articles including derma use and for the examination of oruse in normal or natural body orifices, health care articles; artistmaterials and models, special effects; articles designed for individualpersonal care, including occupational therapy, psychiatric, orthopedic,podiatric, prosthetic, orthodontic and dental care; apparel or otheritems for wear by and on individuals including insulating gels of thecold weather wear such as boots, face mask, gloves, full body wear, andthe like have as an essential, direct contact with the skin of the bodycapable of substantially preventing, controlling or selectivelyfacilitating the production of moisture from selected parts of the skinof the body such as the forehead, neck, foot, underarm, etc; cushions,bedding, pillows, paddings and bandages for comfort or to preventpersonal injury to persons or animals; housewares and luggage; vehicleimpact deployable air bag cushions; medical derma use and for themedical examination through surgical orifices of the human body, healthcare articles, artist materials and models, special effects, articlesdesigned for individual personal care, including occupational therapy,psychiatric, orthopedic, podiatric, prosthetic, orthodontic and dentalcare, apparel or other items for wear by and on individuals includinginsulating invention gels of the cold weather wear such as boots, facemask, gloves, full body wear in direct contact with the skin of the bodycapable of substantially preventing, controlling or selectivelyfacilitating the production of moisture from selected parts of the skinof the body such as the forehead, neck, foot, underarm, etc; cushions,bedding, pillows, paddings and bandages for comfort or to preventpersonal injury to persons or animals, as articles useful intelecommunication, electrical utility, industrial and food processing,in low frequency vibration applications, such as viscoelastic layers inconstrained-layer damping of mechanical structures and goods, asviscoelastic layers used in laminates for isolation of acoustical andmechanical noise, as anti-vibration elastic support for transportingshock sensitive loads, as vibration isolators for an optical table, asviscoelastic layers used in wrappings, enclosures and linings to controlsound, as compositions for use in shock and dielectric encapsulation ofoptical, electrical, and electronic components, as molded shape articlesfor use in medical and sport health care, such use include therapeutichand exercising grips, dental floss, crutch cushions, cervical pillows,bed wedge pillows, leg rest, neck cushion, mattress, bed pads, elbowpadding, dermal pads, wheelchair cushions, helmet liner, cold and hotpacks, exercise weight belts, traction pads and belts, cushions forsplints, slings, and braces (for the hand, wrist, finger, forearm, knee,leg, clavicle, shoulder, foot, ankle, neck, back, rib, etc.), and alsosoles for orthopedic shoes.

The gel articles molded from the instant compositions have variousadditional important advantages in that they do not crack, creep, tear,crack, or rupture in flexural, tension, compression, or other deformingconditions of normal use; but rather the molded articles made from theinstant composition possess the intrinsic properties of elastic memoryenabling the articles to recover and retain its original molded shapeafter many extreme deformation cycles.

The instant compositions can be formed in any shape; the original shapecan be deformed into another shape (to contact a regular or irregularsurface) by pressure and upon removal of the applied pressure, thecomposition in the deformed shape will recover back to its originalshape.

The invention gels can be made into useful gel articles having no needfor a protective covering, but a protective covering may be use asrequired. Such interlocking with many different materials produce gelcomposites having many additional uses. The high tear resistant softinvention gels are advantageously suitable for a safer impact deployableair bag cushions.

The invention gels are especially suitable and have uses whereresistance to dynamic stretching, shearing and tearing forces areparticularly useful such as those forces acting during fishing asdescribed above and as dental flossing. In the case of dental flossing,freeze dried dental paste can also be incorporated into the gel andformed into dental floss by passing coating the dental floss surfacewith flavors or other agents. Not only is the dental floss a floss, itis an effective tooth brush in between the tooth gap between making it afloss-brush with activated tooth past build in. The gel compounded withtoothpaste can contain any anticavity agents including sodium fluoride,any antigingivitis agents, any whitening agents, and any plaque fightingagents. Freeze dry or powders containing hydrated silica, sorbitol,PVM/MA copolymer, sodium lauryl sulfate, flavor, sodium hydroxide,triclosan, monoammonium phosphate, calcium sulfate, ammonium chloride,magnesium chloride, methylparaben, propylparaben, coloring, and the likecan be compounding into the gel composition forming a floss-brush gelcomposition.

Gel floss formed from the invention gels has many advantages overconventional dental floss such as regular and extra fine waxed andunwaxed nylon floss, spongy nylon fiber floss, and waxed and unwaxedexpanded and unexpended teflon floss. Such conventional floss are notrecommended for use by children, since a slip or sudden snap in forcingthe floss between the teeth may cause injury to the gums which oftentimes results in bleeding. For sensitive gums and inflamed gums whichhas become red and puffy, it is difficult to floss at, near, and belowthe gumline. The soft gel floss with softness substantially matching thesoftness of the gums are of great advantage for use by children and forflossing teeth surrounded by sensitive and tender gums.

The shear resistant characteristics of the invention gels can beindirectly determined by subjecting the gel to the shear forces of apair of twisting strings and the resulting inward pulling forces of thetwisting strings can be directly read off of a spring scale. As a pairof strings are gradually twisted, typical values will range from lessthan one pound to fifty pounds and greater. As the string is beingtwisted (simulating increased shearing forces), the measured pullingforces can range from a low value of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31 . . . to values of 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 pounds and greater.

Gel material of low strength can not resist the tremendous shearingaction of the twisting strings. The twisting action of the strings canexhibit a first order twist, a second order twist, or higher ordertwists. A first order twist refers to one or more twists of a pair ofstrings (i.e. a pair of strings when twisted together forms a smalltight binding helix). A second order twist refers to one or more largebinding helixes build up by a pair of strings that have been twistedbeyond the maximum number of twist which normally produce small tightbinding helixes of the first order kind. Similarly, a third order twistrefers to a much larger tightly binding helix build up by the maximumnumber of second order twists produced by the pair of twisting strings.The third order twist may be manifested by the appearance of a branch oftwo or more twist of the first order twisting strings.

The order of twisting will increase (from a one, two, three, and higherorder twist) until the rubber band breaks. Likewise, a looped stringwith one end attached to a spring scale and the other end attached to afixed anchor can be twisted into a first, second, third, and higherordered twist state. This method can be utilized to directly measure theforce generated for each ordered twist states. The static forcegenerated by twisting a string on a spring scale is a way of determiningthe shear force generated in the shearing action of forcing the gelfloss between two closely contacting teeth when flossing.

In considering dental flossing criteria, one or more of the followingconditions can be regarded as critical factors for dental flossing gels.

Shear Resistant Criteria

For the invention gels to be considered useful for flossing, theinvention gels, critically, should withstand a twisting string shearingforce of at least about 5 Kg, more advantageously at least about 8 Kg,and still more advantageously at least about 10 Kg of inward pullingforce of a pair of twisting strings measured directly on a spring scale.

Flossing Cycle Criteria

For the invention gels to be considered useful for flossing, theinvention gels, critically, should advantageously be able to perform atleast 4 flossing cycles, more advantageously 8 cycles, and still moreadvantageously of about 20 cycles without breaking apart when a 3.0 mmdiameter gel strand is tested on a set of simulated upper front teethfully contacting under a uniform spring load of (0.9027 Kg) two pounds.The simulated upper front teeth comprises two small stainless steelrollers (⅜″ dia.) facing lengthwise parallel and forced together so asto form a contact length of ½ inches under a spring load of two poundsas measured by a Entran® model ELO-200-4 load cell adjusted by astraight micrometer at room temperature.

Gel Strength Criteria

For the invention gels to be considered useful for flossing, theinvention gels, critically, should advantageously exhibit a tensilestrength of at least 5 Kg/cm2 (when extended to break as measured at180° U bend around a 5.0 mm mandrel attached to a spring scale) and moreadvantageously at least 8 Kg/cm2, and still more advantageously of about10 Kg/cm2 and higher. The invention gels useful as dental floss canexhibit tensile strengths at break of at least 20 Kg/cm2, moreadvantageously of at least 40 Kg/cm2, and exceptionally moreadvantageously at least 60 Kg/cm2. Typically, the tensile strengthsrange from about 20 Kg/cm2 to about 110 Kg/cm2 and higher, moretypically from about 30 Kg/cm2 to 80 Kg/cm2 and higher, especially moretypically from about 40 Kg/cm2 to about 90 Kg/cm2 and higher, andexceptionally typically from about 50 Kg/cm2 to about 100 Kg/cm2 andhigher.

Propagating Tear Criteria

As a minimum, for the Invention gels to be considered useful forflossing, the invention gels, critically, should advantageously exhibita propagating tear force (when propagating a tear as measured at 180° Ubend around a 5.0 mm diameter mandrel attached to a spring scale) of atleast about 1 Kg/cm, more advantageously at least 2 Kg/cm, and stillmore advantageously of about 3 Kg/cm and higher. The invention gelsuseful as dental floss can exhibit tear strengths of at least 4 Kg/cmand higher, more advantageously of at least 6 Kg/cm and higher,exceptionally more advantageously of at least 8 Kg/cm and higher.Typically, the tear propagation strength can range from about 5 Kg/cm toabout 20 Kg/cm and higher, more typically from about less than 5 Kg/cmto about 25 Kg/cm and higher, especially more typically form about lessthan 6 Kg/cm to about 30 Kg/cm and higher, and exceptionally moretypically from about less than 8 Kg/cm to about 35 Kg/cm and higher.

For the Invention gels to be considered useful for flossing, theinvention gels, critically, should advantageously exhibit a propagatingtension tear force (when a cylindrical sample is notched and a tear isinitiated at the notched area and propagated past its maximumcylindrical diameter by length-wise stretching of the cylindricalsample) of at least about 1 Kg/cm, more advantageously at least 2 Kg/cm,and still more advantageously of about 4 Kg/cm and higher. The extremetear resistant invention gels typically will exhibit even higher tensiontear values.

Rigidity Criteria

The rigidities of the extreme tear resistant useful for flossing canadvantageously range from about 350 gram to about 1,800 gram Bloom, moreadvantageously from about 400 gram to about 1,500 gram Bloom, especiallymore advantageously from about 450 gram to about 1,200 gram Bloom, stillmore advantageously from about 450 gram to about 1,000 gram Bloom, andless advantageously at values of greater than 1,800 gram Bloom.

In general, as a minimum, the flossing invention gels should exhibitseveral critical properties, including advantageously the ability to:(1) withstand a shearing force of at least about 5 Kg under the stringtwisting test described above, (2) perform at least 4 flossing cycleswithout breaking apart when tested on a set of simulated upper frontteeth fully contacting under a uniform spring load of two pound, (3)exhibit a tensile strength of at least 5 Kg/cm2 and higher, (4) exhibita propagating tear force at 180° U bend tear test of at least about 1Kg/cm, and (5) exhibit a propagating tension tear force (on a notchedcylindrical sample) of at least about 1 Kg/cm.

For use as a dental floss, the gel is made (by extruding, spinning,casting, etc) as a continuous gel strand, the gel strand can be in theshape of a fiber of a selected diameter (from less than about 0.15 toabout 5.0 mm and greater) as a continuous tape having a selected widthand thickness (less than 0.10 mm thin to about 5.0 mm and thicker) or inany desired shape suitable for flossing. The fiber, tape or a selectedshape is then cut to a desired length, rolled up and placed into adispenser suitable for containing and dispensing a measured use amountof gel floss. The continuous fiber and tape can be partly cut or notchedfor measured single or multiple use. When the floss is pulled from thedispenser to a point showing the notched or cut mark on the length ofgel floss, the lid is pushed down on the gel floss nipping it andallowing the floss to be further pulled and separated at the notched orcut point. Additionally, a suitable floss dispenser containing ameasured length of gel floss can be fitted with a cutting edge attachedto its lid or on its body and the uncut and un-notched gel floss can bedispensed from the dispensing container and cut at the desired measureduse length by pressing close the dispenser cutting edge down on thefloss so as to nip and cut the gel or by simply closing the dispenserlid or running the gel along the cutting edge on the dispenser bodyseparating a useful length of gel floss.

In practice, typically during flossing, a gel strand will under govarious deformations, some of these deformations can be measured,including original shape, extended shape under tension, nipping force,and nipped deformation under a measured force and width. Typically, anyshaped gel strand can be used for flossing, a square cross-section, acircular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, round, oval, etc.For example, a 235 mm diameter strand when extended under a force of 2.5kg can be nipped down to 0.14 mm thickness (along a 3 mm uniform widthof its cross-section) by a force of 0.9072 Kg (2.0 pound force), areduction of 16.78:1; a 1.89 mm diameter strand when extended under aforce of 2.5 kg can be nipped down to 0.14 mm thickness by a force of0.9072 Kg (2.0 pound force), a reduction of 13.5:1; a 2.75 mm diameterstrand when extended under a force of 2.5 kg can be nipped down to 0.19mm thickness by a force of 0.9072 Kg (2.0 pound force), a reduction of14.4:1; and a 2.63 mm diameter strand when extended under a force of 2.5kg can be nipped down to 0.19 mm thickness by a force of 0.9072 Kg (2.0pound force), a reduction of 13.8:1. the cross-section of the gel flosscan be reduced to any degree by stretching and nipping (from less thanabout 1% to about 1,600% and higher). Advantageously, a gel having therequired strength, tear resistance, gel rigidity, and othercharacteristics described can be formed into a floss of any selectedcross-section and thickness provided the floss is capable of beingstretched when flossing under tension without breaking. Typically thestretching or puling force is from about less than 0.1 Kg to about 3 Kgand higher. The cross-section of the strand of gel floss should becapable of being nipped by a 0.9027 Kg (2 pounds) force applied across awidth of 3 mm from its original cross-sectional dimensions to a nippedthickness of about 3.0 mm to about 0.02 mm and lower, moreadvantageously from about 2.5 mm to about 0.04 mm and lower, still moreadvantageously from about 2.0 mm to about 0.08 mm and lower; especiallyadvantageously from about 1.5 mm to about 0.15 mm and lower; especiallymore advantageously from about 1.2 mm to about 0.20 mm and lower;especially still more advantageously from about 1.0 mm to about 0.25 mmand lower.

The invention gels made from higher viscosity copolymers (I) areresistant to breaking when sheared than triblock copolymer gels. Thiscan be demonstrated by forming a very soft gel, for example 100 partscopolymer to 800 parts plasticizing oil. The soft gel is cut into astrip of 2.5 cm×2.5 cm cross-section, the gel strip is grippedlengthwise tightly in the left hand about its cross-section and anexposed part of the gel strip being gripped lengthwise around itscross-section tightly by the right hand as close to the left hand aspossible without stretching. With the two hands gripping the gel strip'scross-section, the hands are moved in opposite directions to shear apartthe gel strip at its cross-section. The shearing action by the grippinghands is done at the fastest speed possible as can be performed by humanhands. The shearing action is performed at a fraction of a second,possible at about 0.5 seconds. Using this demonstration, the copolymer(I) invention gels will not easily break completely apart as would gelsformed from triblock copolymers. In some cases, it will take two, three,or more attempts to shear a high viscosity copolymer (I) gel strip thisway. Whereas, a lower viscosity triblock copolymer gel strip can besheared apart on the first try. For gels made from copolymers withviscosities of 5 wt % solution in Toluene, their shear resistance willdecrease with decreasing viscosity. For example, the shear strengths astested by hand shearing described above of invention gels made fromcopolymers having polymer viscosities of 150, 120, 110, 105, 95, 90, 89,85, 70, 60, 58, 48, 42, 40, 35, 28, 27, 25, 21 cps, and the like can beexpected to decrease with decreasing viscosity.

The tensile strengths of multiblock copolymer invention gels made fromhigher viscosity copolymers (I) can be slightly lower than or equal tothe tensile strengths of gels made from lower solution viscositytriblock copolymers (III).

Strands of invention gels comprising higher viscosity multiblockcopolymers will perform better than gel strands made from gels of lowerviscosity triblock copolymers when used in flossing amalgam molars andmore than three times better when used in flossing front teeth.

Invention gels, in general, will exhibit higher tensile and greater tearresistance than their parent invention gels containing higherconcentrations of plasticizer. As compared to spongy nylon, regularwaxed nylon, and extra fine unwaxed nylon when flossing amalgam molars,the performance of multiblock copolymer invention gels are on theaverage substantially better.

While advantageous components and formulation ranges based on thedesired properties of the multiblock copolymer invention gels have beendisclosed herein. Persons of skill in the art can extend these rangesusing appropriate material according to the principles discussed herein.All such variations and deviations which rely on the teachings throughwhich the present invention has advanced the art are considered to bewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The invention is further illustrated by means of the followingillustrative embodiments, which are given for purpose of illustrationonly and are not meant to limit the invention to the particularcomponents and amounts disclosed.

EXAMPLE I

Gels of 100 parts of Kraton G1651, Kuraray Septon 2006 (SEPS), KuraraySepton 8006 (SEBS), a high viscosity (SEB)n, and a high viscosity (SEP)ntriblock copolymers and 1,600, 1,200, 1,000, 800, 600, 500, 450, and 300parts by weight of Duraprime 200 white oil are melt blended and samplesextruded (from a 7.15 mm diameter orifice) into selected lengths ofvarying diameters for use as dental floss, the bulk gel rigidities isfound to be within the range of 2 to 1,800 gram Bloom, the tensilestrength is found to decrease with increase orientation, and the optimumtensile strength found for gel samples with the least amount of stressor orientation imparted during cool from the molten state to roomtemperature.

EXAMPLE II

Example II is repeated using Kuraray (S-E-EP-S) 4055 and 4077 multiblockcopolymers, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the tear resistance of the multiblockcopolymers at corresponding rigidities are found to be substantiallyhigher than the tear resistance of the triblock copolymer gels ofEXAMPLE I. The tensile strength is found to decrease with increaseorientation, and the optimum tensile strength found for gel samples withthe least amount of stress or orientation imparted during cool from themolten state to room temperature.

EXAMPLE III

Example I is repeated using (S-E-EP-S), (S-E-EP-E-S), (S-B-EP-S),(S-E-EB-S), (S-EB-EP-S), (S-E-EP-EB-S), (S-B-EB-S), (S-E-EB-E-S),(S-B-EP-E-S), (S-B-EB-E-S), (S-B-EP-B-S), (S-B-EB-B-S), (S-E-E-EP-S),(S-E-E-EB-S), (S-B-E-EP-S), (S-B-E-EB-S), (S-B-B-EP-S), (S-B-B-EB-S),(S-E-B-EB-S), (S-E-B-EP-S), (S-EB-EB-S), (S-EP-EP-S), (S-E-EB-EB-S),(S-E-EP-EP-S), (S-E-EB-EP-S), (S-B-EB-EB-S), (S-B-EP-EP-S), (S-E-EP)n,(S-E-EP-E)n, (S-B-EP)n, (S-E-EB-S)n, (S-EB-EP-)n, (S-E-EP-EB)n,(S-B-EB)n, (S-E-EB-E)n, (S-B-EP-E)n, (S-B-EB-E)n, (S-B-EP-B)n,(S-B-EB-B)n, (S-E-E-EP)n, (S-E-E-EB)n, (S-B-E-EP)n, (S-B-E-EB)n,(S-B-B-EP)n, (S-B-B-EB)n, (S-E-B-EB)n, (S-E-B-EP)n, (S-EB-EB)n,(S-EP-EP)n, (S-E-EB-EB)n, (S-E-EP-EP)n, (S-E-EB-EP)n, (S-B-EB-EB)n,(S-B-EP-EP)n, (S-B-EB-EP)n, (S-B-EP-EB)n, (S-E-EP-E-EP)n, (S-E-EB-E-EB)nmultiblock copolymers, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be withinthe range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the tear resistance of themultiblock copolymers at corresponding rigidities are found to besubstantially higher than the tear resistance of the triblock copolymergels of EXAMPLE I. The tensile strength is found to decrease withincrease orientation, and the optimum tensile strength found for gelsamples with the least amount of stress or orientation imparted duringcool from the molten state to room temperature.

EXAMPLE IV

Example II is repeated using plasticizers L-14, L-50, L-100, H-15, H-25,H-35, H-50, H-100, H-300, L-14E, H-300E, Actipol E6, E16, E23, KratonL-1203, EKP-206, EKP-207, HPVM-2203, Amoco C-60, Piccolyte S10,Duraprime (55, 70, 90, 200, 350, 400), Tufflo (6006, 6016, 6016M, 6026,6036, 6056, 6206,) Bayol, Bernol, American, Blandol, Drakeol, Ervol,Gloria, and Kaydol, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within therange of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the tear resistance of themultiblock copolymers at corresponding rigidities are found to besubstantially higher than the tear resistance of the triblock copolymergels of EXAMPLE I.

EXAMPLE V

Example III is repeated using plasticizers L-14, L-50, L-100, H-15,H-25, H-35, H-50, H-100, H-300, l-14E, H-300E, Actipol E6, E16, E23,Kraton L-1203, EKP-206, EKP-207, HPVM-2203, Amoco C-60, Piccolyte S10,Duraprime (55, 70, 90, 200, 350, 400), Tufflo (6006, 6016, 6016M, 6026,6036, 6056, 6206,) Bayol, Bernol, American, Blandol, Drakeol, Ervol,Gloria, and Kaydol, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within therange of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the tear resistance of themultiblock copolymers at corresponding rigidities are found to besubstantially higher than the tear resistance of the triblock copolymergels of EXAMPLE I.

EXAMPLE VI

A gel composition of 100 parts of Kuraray's S-E-EP-S 4055 copolymer and400 parts by weight of Duraprime 200 white oil was made followingExample I and extruded and drawn (from a 7.15 mm diameter orifice) intoa strand of uniform diameter onto a take-up roll of continuous lengths.The strand diameter was varied by increasing and decreasing the speed ofthe take-up roll. The continuous strand of varying diameter gel strandwas cut to suitable lengths for use and testing as dental floss.Additional gel was also casted in varying thickness and tested. Theresults of samples tested are shown in Table 3, #4–7; Table 4, #12–15and 20; Table 5 #22, 23, 27–29; Table 6 #36–32; Table 7, #40–43, #76 and77. Sample Nos. 76 and 77 were tested together. Sample 77 exhibitedhigher tensile strength after 27.75% of plasticizing oil was extracted(with 2.89 parts by weight of oil remaining), its rigidity remainedsubstantially unchanged.

EXAMPLE VII

A gel composition of 100 parts of Kraton G1651 and 400 parts by weightof Duraprime 200 white oil was made following Example I and extruded anddrawn (from a 7.15 mm diameter orifice) into a strand of uniformdiameter onto a take-up roll of continuous lengths. The strand diameterwas varied by increasing and decreasing the speed of the take-up roll.The continuous strand of varying diameter gel strand was cut to suitablelengths for use and testing as dental floss. Additional gel was alsocasted in varying thickness and tested The results of samples tested areshown in Table 3B, #8–11; Table 4, #16–19 and 21; Table 5, #24–26; Table6, #33–35; and Table 7, #36–39.

EXAMPLE VIII

Example II was repeated melt blending under inert gas 100 parts byweight of Kuraray (S-E-EP-S) 4077 multiblock copolymer and 400 parts byweight of Duraprime 70 white oil. A first part of the molten gel wasallowed to cool to room temperature, the remainder gel was heated underinert gas for an additional three hours at 300–325° F. and a second partof the gel was extruded (from a 7.15 mm diameter orifice) into coldrunning water, and the third and final remaining gel was allowed to coolto room temperature. The bulk gel rigidities of the first, second andthird parts were found to be within the range of 2 to 1,800 gram Bloom.The second and third final parts of the gel appeared to be altered anddifferent from the first gel part. The first part exhibited rapid returnwhen extended, but the second and third final parts exhibited delayelastomeric recovery when released after extension and deformation. Allof the samples exhibited 100% recovery after repeated extensions anddeformations.

The tensile strengths of invention gels made from higher viscositycopolymers are lower than the tensile strengths of gels made from lowersolution viscosity copolymers. This was later found to be due toorientation effects and not considered significant.

The tear resistance of invention gels made from higher viscositycopolymers are higher than the tear resistance of invention gels madefrom lower solution viscosity copolymers.

Gel strands made from higher viscosity copolymers perform better thangel strands made of lower viscosity copolymers when used in flossingamalgam molars and more than three times better when used in flossingfront teeth.

As compared to spongy nylon, regular waxed nylon, and extra fine unwaxednylon when flossing amalgam molars, the performance of invention gelsare on the average substantially better.

Examples below illustrate other modes of practice contemplated.

EXAMPLE IX

At least 120 pcs of the gel strands of EXAMPLE II containing 600 partsoil is individually weighted and placed in a heated vacuum oven, apatial vacuum is applied and the temperature is regulated between about80° F. to about 150° F. to extract plasticizer from the gel strands. Atvarious oven and vacuum times, three gel strands are removed from thevacuum oven, allowed to cool to room temperature, weighted to determinethe amount of weight loss and tested for tensile and tear strength. Asthe amount of oil contained in the original gel is reduced from 600parts by weight to less than 200 parts by weight, the “reducedplasticizer volume” invention gels are weighted and tested. The tear andtensile strengths of the reduced plasticizer volume invention gels arefound to be improved over the properties of the original 600 parts byweight referenced gel strands.

The invention gels are especially advantageously useful when subjectedto conditions of stretching, shearing, and tearing during flossing. Theinvention gels useful for flossing are characterized by low rigiditiesand high solution viscosity of the invention gels made from multiblockcopolymers having two or more midblock polymer chains.

EXAMPLE X

Gels of 100 parts of Kraton G1651, Kraton RP-6917 (amorphous S-EB-S),Septon 8006 (amorphous S-EB-S), Kraton RP-6918, Septon S2006 (amorphousS-EP-S) and a high viscosity radial amorphous midblock segment (SEB)ntriblock copolymers and 1,600, 1,200, 1,000, 800, 600, 500, 450, 300,250 parts by weight of Duraprime 200 white oil (plasticizer having Vis.cSt @ 40° C. of 39.0) are melt blended, test, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2 to1,800 gram Bloom and the tensile strength, notched tear strength, andresistance to fatigue are found to decrease with increase amounts ofplasticizers, while tackiness of the gels is found to be greater than7.6 gram Tack.

EXAMPLE XI

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 and 1,600, 1,200, 1,000, 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts byweight of Duraprime 200 white oil (plasticizer having Vis. cSt @ 40° C.of 39.0) are melt blended, test and tack probe samples molded, the bulkgel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2 to 1,800 gram Bloomand the gel tackiness are found to increase with increase amounts ofplasticizers and the tack greater than 7.6 gram Tack.

EXAMPLE XII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dow S seriespoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymer (250,000 Mw) having a highstyrene content sufficient to form gel blends with total styrene contentof 37 by weight of copolymers and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts byweight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20)are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gelrigidities are found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gramBloom and the notched tear strength and resistance to fatigue of the gelat corresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that ofamorphous gels of Example I, while tack is found to decrease withdecreasing plasticizer content and in all instances substantially lowerthan the gels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XIII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon 4045 (crystalline S-E/EP-S having a styrenecontent of 37.6) and 1,600, 1,200, 1,000, 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250parts by weight of Duraprime Klearol white oil (plasticizer having Vis.CSt @ 40° C. of 7–10) are melt blended, test and probe samples molded,the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2 to 2,000gram Bloom and the tackiness is found to be less than about 1 gram Tack.

EXAMPLE XIV

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of Septon 2104(Amorphous SEPS having a high styrene content of 65) and 800, 600, 500,450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation,Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and tack is found to decrease with decreasingplasticizer content and in all instances substantially lower than thegels of Example X and XI.

EXAMPLE XV

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dow M seriespoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymer (350,000 Mw) having a highstyrene content sufficient to form gel blends with total styrene contentof 37 by weight of copolymers and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts byweight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20)are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gelrigidities are found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gramBloom and the notched tear strength and resistance to fatigue of the gelat corresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that ofamorphous gels of Example I, while tack is found to decrease withdecreasing plasticizer content and in all instances substantially lowerthan the gels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XVI

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dow E seriespoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymer (240,000 Mw) having a highstyrene content sufficient to form gel blends with total styrene contentof 37 by weight of copolymers and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts byweight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20)are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gelrigidities are found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gramBloom and the notched tear strength and resistance to fatigue of the gelat corresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that ofamorphous gels of Example I, while tack is found to decrease withdecreasing plasticizer content and in all instances substantially lowerthan the gels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XVII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with polystyrene homopolymers (having Mw of3,000; 4,000; 5,000; 6,000; 7,000; 8,000; 9,000; 10,000; 11,000; 12,000,13,000; 14,000; 15,000; 16,000; 17,000; 18,000; 19,000; 20,000; 30,000;40,000; 50,000; 60,000; 70,000; 80,000; 90,000) in sufficient amounts toform gel blends with total styrene content of 37, 45, 48, 50, and 55 byweight of copolymers and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight ofDuraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are meltblended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigiditiesare found to be within the range of 2 gram to 2,000 gram Bloom and tackis found to decrease with decreasing plasticizer content and in allinstances substantially lower than the gels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XVIII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dow M seriespoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymer (350,000 Mw) having a highstyrene content sufficient to form gel blends with total styrenecontents of 40, 45, 48, 50, and 55 by weight of copolymers and 800, 600,500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol,Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers havingVis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tackprobe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within therange of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of Example I, while tack isfound to decrease with decreasing plasticizer content and in allinstances substantially lower than the gels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XIX

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dow S seriespoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers (with Mw of 140,000; 250,000and 340,000) having a high styrene content sufficient to form gel blendswith total styrene content of 40, 45, 48, 50, and 55 by weight ofcopolymers and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40(plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are meltblended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigiditiesare found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and thenotched tear strength and resistance to fatigue of the gel atcorresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphousgels of Example I, while tack is found to decrease with decreasingplasticizer content and in all instances substantially lower than thegels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XX

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dow E seriespoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers (with Mw of 250,000; 340,000and 400,000) having a high styrene content sufficient to form gel blendswith total styrene content of 40, 45, 48, 50, and 55 by weight ofcopolymers and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40(plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are meltblended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigiditiesare found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and thenotched tear strength and resistance to fatigue of the gel atcorresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphousgels of Example I, while tack is found to decrease with decreasingplasticizer content and in all instances substantially lower than thegels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XXI

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dow M seriespoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymer (with Mw of 250,000; 340,000 and400,000) having a high styrene content sufficient to form gel blendswith total styrene content of 40, 45, 48, 50, and 55 by weight ofcopolymers and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40(plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are meltblended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigiditiesare found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and thenotched tear strength and resistance to fatigue of the gel atcorresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphousgels of Example I, while tack is found to decrease with decreasingplasticizer content and in all instances substantially lower than thegels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XXII

Gels of 100 parts of Dow E series crystalline poly(ethylene/styrene)random copolymer (with Mw of 250,000; 340,000 and 400,000) having a highstyrene content sufficient to form gel blends with total styrene contentof 37, 40, 45, 48, 50, 55, and 60 by weight of copolymers and 800, 600,500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol,Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers havingVis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tackprobe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within therange of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of Example 1, while tack isfound to decrease with decreasing plasticizer content and in allinstances substantially lower than the gels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XXIII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with polystyrene (of 2,500 Mw, 4,000 Mw, 13,000Mw, 20,000 Mw, 35,000 Mw, 50,000 Mw, and 90,000 Mw;poly(alpha-methylstyrene) (of 1,300 Mw, 4,000 Mw;poly(4-methylstyrene)(of 72,000 Mw), Endex 155, 160, Kristalex 120, and140) in sufficient amounts to form gel blends with total styrene contentof 37, 45, 48, 50, and 55 by weight of copolymers and 800, 600, 500,450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation,Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2gram to 2,000 gram Bloom and tack is found to decrease with decreasingplasticizer content and in all instances substantially lower than thegels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XXIV

Examples XIV is repeated and gels of 100 parts of (S-EB45-EP-S),(S-E-EB25-S), (S-EP-E-EP-S), (S-E-EB-S), (S-E-EP-S), (S-E-EP-E-S),(S-E-EP-EB-S), (S-E-EP-E-EP-S), (S-E-EP-E-EB-S), (S-E-EP-E-EP-E-S),(S-E-EP-E-EB-S), (S-E-EP-E-EP-EB-S), and (S-E-EP-E-EP-E-S) blockcopolymers are each melt blended, tests and probe samples molded, thebulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2 to 1,800 gramBloom and tack is found to decrease with decreasing plasticizer contentand in all instances substantially lower than the gels of Example I andII.

EXAMPLE XXV

Example XIV is repeated and minor amounts of 2, 5, 10 and 15 parts ofthe following polymers are formulated with each of the triblockcopolymers: styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, low viscositystyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-propylene block copolymers,styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-butadiene,styrene-isoprene, polyethyleneoxide, poly(dimethylphenylene oxide),polystyrene, polybutylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, high ethylenecontent EPDM, amorphous copolymers based on2,2-bistrifluoromethyl-4,5-difuoro-1,3-dioxole/tetrafluroethylene. Thebulk gel rigidities of each of the formulations are found to be withinthe range of 2 gram to 2,000 gram Bloom and tack is found to decreasewith decreasing plasticizer content and in all instances substantiallylower than the gels of Example I and II.

EXAMPLE XXVI

Molten gels of Examples III-XVI are formed into composites with paper,foam, plastic, elastomers, fabric, metal, concrete, wood, glass,ceramics, synthetic resin, synthetic fibers, and refractory materialsand the resistance to fatigue of the composite-gels at correspondingrigidities are found to be greater than that of the composite-amorphousgels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XXVII

Three cm thick sheets of each of the gels of Example XIV and theamorphous gels of Example I are tested by repeatedly displacing thesheets to a depth of 1 cm using a 10 cm diameter smooth (water soaked)wood plunger for 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000, 50,000, and 100,000cycles. The sheets of gels are found capable of exhibiting greaterfatigue resistance than the sheets of amorphous gels at correspondingrigidities.

EXAMPLE XXVIII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES16 having 37.5% crystallinityand 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70,Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizershaving Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, andtack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to bewithin the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tearstrength and resistance to fatigue of the gel at correspondingrigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphous gels ofExample X.

EXAMPLE XXIX

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES24 having 26.6% crystallinityand 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70,Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizershaving Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, andtack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to bewithin the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tearstrength and resistance to fatigue of the gel at correspondingrigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphous gels ofExample X.

EXAMPLE XXX

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES27 having 17.4% crystallinityand 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70,Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizershaving Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, andtack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to bewithin the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tearstrength and resistance to fatigue of the gel at correspondingrigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphous gels ofExample X.

EXAMPLE XXXI

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES28 having 22.9% crystallinityand 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70,Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizershaving Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, andtack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to bewithin the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tearstrength and resistance to fatigue of the gel at correspondingrigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphous gels ofExample X.

EXAMPLE XXXII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES30 having 19.6% crystallinityand 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70,Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizershaving Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, andtack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to bewithin the range of 2 gram to 1100 gram Bloom and the notched tearstrength and resistance to fatigue of the gel at correspondingrigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphous gels ofExample X.

EXAMPLE XXXIII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES44 having 5.0% crystallinityand 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70,Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizershaving Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, andtack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to bewithin the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tearstrength and resistance to fatigue of the gel at correspondingrigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphous gels ofExample X.

EXAMPLE XXXIV

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES72 and 800, 600, 500, 450,300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation,Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength and resistance tofatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are found to be greaterthan that of amorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XXXV

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES73 and 800, 600, 500, 450,300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation,Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength and resistance tofatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are found to be greaterthan that of amorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XXXVI

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES74 and 800, 600, 500, 450,300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation,Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength and resistance tofatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are found to be greaterthan that of amorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XXVII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES69 and 800, 600, 500, 450,300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation,Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength and resistance tofatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are found to be greaterthan that of amorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XXXVIII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon crystalline (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4055,and 4077 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES62 and 800, 600, 500, 450,300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation,Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samplesmolded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength and resistance tofatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are found to be greaterthan that of amorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XXXIX

Gels of 100 parts of Septon (SEPS) copolymers Kraton GRP6918 incombination with each of a Dow poly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymersES16, ES24, ES27, ES28, ES30, and ES44 and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol,Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of lessthan 20) are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, thebulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800gram Bloom and the notched tear strength and resistance to fatigue ofthe gel at corresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that ofamorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XL

Gels of 100 parts of Septon (SEBS) copolymers S8006 and Kraton G1651,G1654 in combination with sufficient amounts of a Dowpoly(ethylene/styrene) random copolymers ES16, ES24, ES27, ES28, ES30,and ES44 and 800, 600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime55, 70, Klearol, Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40(plasticizers having Vis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are meltblended, tests, and tack probe samples molded, the bulk gel rigiditiesare found to be within the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and thenotched tear strength and resistance to fatigue of the gel atcorresponding rigidities are found to be greater than that of amorphousgels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XLI

Gels of 100 parts of Septon (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4045, 4055, 4077 incombination each with 25 parts by weight of Super Sta-tac, BetapreneNevtac, Escorez, Hercotac, Wingtack, Piccotac, polyterpene, Zonarez,Nirez, Piccolyte, Sylvatac, glycerol ester of rosin (Foral),pentaerythritol ester of rosin (Pentalyn), saturated alicyclichydrocarbon (Arkon P), coumarone indene (Cumar LX), hydrocarbon (Picco6000, Regalrez), mixed olefin (Wingtack), alkylated aromatic hydrocarbon(Nevchem), Polyalphamethylstyrene/vinyl toluene copolymer (Piccotex),polystyrene (Kristalex, Picolastic), special resin (LX-1035) and 800,600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol,Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers havingVis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tackprobe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within therange of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XLII

Gels of 100 parts of Septon (SEEPS) copolymers 4033, 4045, 4055, 4077 incombination each with 25 parts by weight of Super Sta-tac, BetapreneNevtac, Escorez, Hercotac, Wingtack, Piccotac, polyterpene, Zonarez,Nirez, Piccolyte, Sylvatac, glycerol ester of rosin (Foral),pentaerythritol ester of rosin (Pentalyn), saturated alicyclichydrocarbon (Arkon P), coumarone indene (Cumar LX), hydrocarbon (Picco6000, Regalrez), mixed olefin (Wingtack), alkylated aromatic hydrocarbon(Nevchem), Polyalphamethylstyrene/vinyl toluene copolymer (Piccotex),polystyrene (Kristalex, Piccolastic), special resin (LX-1035) and 800,600, 500, 450, 300, 250 parts by weight of Duraprime 55, 70, Klearol,Carnation, Blandol, Benol, Semtol 85, 70, and 40 (plasticizers havingVis. CSt @ 40° C. of less than 20) are melt blended, tests, and tackprobe samples molded, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within therange of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of Example X.

EXAMPLE XLIII

Gels of 100 parts of (50 parts by weight of Septon (SEEPS) and 50 partsby weight of Kraton 1651) copolymers in combination with 600 parts byweight of (300 parts by weight of Witco 40 oil and 300 parts ofBlandol), 0.05 parts by weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.1 parts by weightof Tinuvin P, are melt blended, tests, and tack probe samples molded,the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the range of 2 gram to1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength and resistance to fatigueof the gel at corresponding rigidities are found to be greater than thatof amorphous gels of made from Septon 2006 SEPS. The resulting gel isfound to have an elongation greater than 500% and is used to moldfishing baits in the form of a worm, a frog, a lizard, a fish for use ona Carolina Rig, a Texas Rig, and a Wacky Rig presentation and thefishing baits are found to exhibit a success hook to catch ratio greaterthan 5 as compared to a conventional plastisol polyvinyl chloridefishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

EXAMPLE XLIV

Gels of 100 parts of (50 parts by weight of Septon (SEEPS) and 50 partsby weight of Kraton 1651) copolymers in combination with 600 parts byweight of (300 parts by weight of Witco 40 oil and 300 parts ofBlandol), 0.05 parts by weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.1 parts by weightof Tinuvin P, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the rangeof 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of made from Septon 2006 SEPS.The resulting gel is found to have an elongation greater than 800% andis used to mold fishing baits in the form of a worm, a frog, a lizard, afish for use on a Carolina Rig, a Texas Rig, and a Wacky Rigpresentation and the fishing baits are found to exhibit a success hookto catch ratio greater than 5 as compared to a conventional plastisolpolyvinyl chloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

EXAMPLE XLV

Gels of 100 parts of (50 parts by weight of Septon (SEEPS) and 50 partsby weight of Kraton 1651) copolymers in combination with 600 parts byweight of (300 parts by weight of Witco 40 oil and 300 parts ofBlandol), 0.05 parts by weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.1 parts by weightof Tinuvin P, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the rangeof 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of made from Septon 2006 SEPS.The resulting gel is found to have an elongation greater than 900% andis used to mold fishing baits in the form of a worm, a frog, a lizard, afish for use on a Carolina Rig, a Texas Rig, and a Wacky Rigpresentation and the fishing baits are found to exhibit a success hookto catch ratio greater than 5 as compared to a conventional plastisolpolyvinyl chloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

EXAMPLE XLVI

Gels of 100 parts of (50 parts by weight of Septon (SEEPS) and 50 partsby weight of Kraton 1651) copolymers in combination with 600 parts byweight of (300 parts by weight of Witco 40 oil and 300 parts ofBlandol), 0.05 parts by weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.1 parts by weightof Tinuvin P, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within the rangeof 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of made from Septon 2006 SEPS.The resulting gel is found to have an elongation greater than 1,000% andis used to mold fishing baits in the form of a worm, a frog, a lizard, afish for use on a Carolina Rig, a Texas Rig, and a Wacky Rigpresentation and the fishing baits are found to exhibit a success hookto catch ratio greater than 5 as compared to a conventional plastisolpolyvinyl chloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

EXAMPLE XLVII

Gels of 100 parts of (50 parts by weight of Septon (SEEPS) and 50 partsby weight of Kraton 1651) copolymers in combination with 600 parts byweight of about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and about 14 cSt @ 40°C. viscosity oils, 0.05 parts by weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.1 partsby weight of Tinuvin P, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be withinthe range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strengthand resistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities arefound to be greater than that of amorphous gels of made from Septon 2006SEPS. The resulting gel is found to have increasing Gram Tack valueswith increasing oil viscosity, increase resistance to heat set at 50° C.as determined under 180° U bend for one hour, an elongation greater than500% and is used to mold fishing baits in the form of a worm, a frog, alizard, a fish for use on a Carolina Rig, a Texas Rig, and a Wacky Rigpresentation and the fishing baits are found to exhibit a success hookto catch ratio greater than 5 as compared to a conventional plastisolpolyvinyl chloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

EXAMPLE XLVIII

Gels of 100 parts of (50 parts by weight of Septon (SEEPS) and 50 partsby weight of Kraton 1651) copolymers in combination with 600 parts byweight of about 18, 24, 28, 35, 39, 57, 61 and about 64 cSt @ 40° C.viscosity oils, 0.05 parts by weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.1 parts byweight of Tinuvin P, the bulk gel rigidities are found to be within therange of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom and the notched tear strength andresistance to fatigue of the gel at corresponding rigidities are foundto be greater than that of amorphous gels of made from Septon 2006 SEPS.The resulting gel is found to have increasing Gram Tack values withincreasing oil viscosity, increase resistance to heat set at 50° C. asdetermined under 180° U bend for one hour, an elongation greater than500% and is used to mold fishing baits in the form of a worm, a frog, alizard, a fish for use on a Carolina Rig, a Texas Rig, and a Wacky Rigpresentation and the fishing baits are found to exhibit a success hookto catch ratio greater than 5 as compared to a conventional plastisolpolyvinyl chloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

EXAMPLE XLIV

Gel of 100 parts of of Kraton 1651 copolymer in combination with 600parts by weight of (50 parts by weight of Arco Prime 55 and 50 parts byweight of Arco prime 70), 0.05 parts by weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.1parts by weight of Tinuvin P, the bulk gel rigidities are found to bewithin the range of 2 gram to 1,800 gram Bloom. The resulting gel isfound to have heat set greater than 50° C. as determined under 180° Ubend for one hour, an elongation greater than 500% and mold in the formof a fishing bait exhibit greater strength than a conventional plastisolpolyvinyl chloride fishing bait of corresponding rigidity.

EXAMPLE XLV

The following gels were made with 600 parts by weight of oil, 0.5 partsby weight of Irganox 1010, and 0.5 parts by weight of Tinuvin P, meltblended in a 16×150 mm glass test tube, cooled, removed, and 180° U bendtested 50° C. for 1.0 hour:

1. 80 parts by weight of Septon 4055 and 20 parts by weight of Septon2006, block copolymers, Witco 40 oil, the gel sample retained adeformation of about 30°.

2. 80 parts by weight of Septon 8006 and 20 parts by weight of Septon4055, block copolymers, 35 parts by weight of Endex 160, Witco 40 oil,the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 84°.

3. Gels of 90 parts by weight of Septon 8006 and 10 parts by weight ofSepton 4055, block copolymers, 35 parts by weight of Endex 160, Witco 40oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 85°.

4. Gels of 80 parts by weight of Septon 8006 and 20 parts by weight ofSepton 4055, block copolymers, 45 parts by weight of Endex 160, Witco 40oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 91°.

5. Gels of 90 parts by weight of Septon 8006 and 10 parts by weight ofSepton 4055, block copolymers, 45 parts by weight of Endex 160, Witco 40oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 95°.

6. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 8006, block copolymers, 25parts by weight of Endex 155, Witco 40 oil, the gel heat tested sampleretained a deformation of about 56°.

7. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 8006, block copolymers, 45parts by weight of Endex 155, Witco 40 oil, 0.5 parts by weight ofIrganox 1010, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about57°.

8. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 4055, block copolymers, Witco40 oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 90°.

9. Gels of 60 parts by weight of Septon 4055 & 30 parts by weight ofKraton 1651 block copolymers, Witco 40 oil, the gel heat tested sampleretained a deformation of about 45°.

10. Gels of 30 parts by weight of Septon 4055 & 60 parts by weight ofKraton 1651 block copolymers, Witco 40 oil, the gel heat tested sampleretained a deformation of about 55°.

11. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 8006 block copolymers incombination with 33 parts by weight of a GE PPO Blendex® HPP821, 600parts by weight of Witco 40 oil, the gel heat tested sample retained adeformation of about 10°.

12. Gels of 60 parts by weight of Septon 4055 &30 part by weight ofKraton 1651 block copolymers in combination with 33 parts by weight of aGE PPO Blendex® HPP821, Witco 40 oil, the gel heat tested sampleretained a deformation of about 33°.

13. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 4055 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of a GE PPO Blendex® HPP821, Witco40 oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 30°.

14. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 2006 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of a GE PPO Blendex® HPP821, Witco40 oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 15°.

15. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 8006 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of a GE PPO Blendex® HPP821, Witco40 oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 35°.

16. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Kraton 1651 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of a GE PPO Blendex® HPP821, Witco40 oil, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 25°.

17. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 4055 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of Endex 155, Witco 40 oil, the gelheat tested sample retained a deformation of about 75°.

18. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 2006 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of Endex 155, Witco 40 oil, the gelheat tested sample retained a deformation of about 55°.

19. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 8006 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of Endex 155, Witco 40 oil, the gelheat tested sample retained a deformation of about 30°.

20. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Kraton 1651 block copolymers incombination with 25 parts by weight of Endex 155, Witco 40 oil, the gelheat tested sample retained a deformation of about 27°.

21. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 4055 block copolymers,Blandol, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 30°.

22. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 4055 block copolymers,Carnation, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about30°.

23. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 4055 block copolymers,Klearol, the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 40°.

25. Gels of 50 parts by weight of Septon 4055 & 50 parts by weight ofSepton 2006 block copolymers, (equal weight of Blandol and Witco 40oil), the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 57°.

26. Gels of 50 parts by weight of Septon 4055 & 50 parts by weight ofSepton 2006 block copolymers, Witco 40 oil, the gel heat tested sampleretained a deformation of about 78°.

27. Gels of 50 parts by weight of Septon 4055 & 50 parts by weight ofSepton 2006 block copolymers, Witco 40 oil, the gel heat tested sampleretained a deformation of about 80°.

28. Gels of 50 parts by weight of Septon 4055 & 50 parts by weight ofKraton 1651 block copolymers, (equal weight of Blandol and Witco 40oil), the gel heat tested sample retained a deformation of about 55°.

29. Gels of 100 parts by weight of Septon 2006 block copolymers, (equalweight of Blandol and Witco 40 oil), the gel heat tested sample retaineda deformation of about 45°. The resulting gel is highly tacky.

30. A Berkly and V & M PVC fishing baits were 180° U bend tested @ 50°C. for 1.0 hour, both baits retained a deformation of about 34°.

When poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS) is substituted inplace of (I) block copolymer of the invention, the (SEBS) strength isslightly lower, but lack the improved tear resistance and ruptureresistance. For use as fishing bait, (SEBS) gels can also be made softand are also an improvement over conventional plastisol polyvinylchloride fishing baits of corresponding rigidity.

While certain features of this invention have been described in detailwith respect to various embodiments thereof, it will, of course, beapparent that other modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of this invention, and it is not intended to limit the inventionto the exact details shown above except insofar as they are defined inthe following claims.

1. An article of fishing bait comprising a soft gelatinous elastomercomposition formed from (I) 100 parts by weight of one or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, SEPS, SEB/SEBS, SEP/SEPS, SEB/SEPS, SEP/SEBS, SEBn, SEPn, andSEEPS, wherein said hydrogenated controlled distribution styrene blockcopolymer(s) being a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched or multiarmcopolymer, wherein n Is greater than one; (II) one or more selectedplasticizers of a first plasticizer with or without a second plasticizerbeing in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; and (IV) an effective fishingamount of one or more composition of foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s); in combination with or without (V) aselected minor amount of one or more polymers or copolymers ofpoly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene butadiene)n,poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene)n, poly(styrene isoprene)n,poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-ethyleneethelene-propylene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene styrene),poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), poly(styreneethylene-butylene), poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene)n, poly(styreneethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, poly(ethylenepropylene), poly(ethylene-butylene), polypropylene, or polyethylene,polyethylene copolymers selected from ultra low densitypoly(ethylene-octene-1 copolymers) and copolymers of ethylene andhexene, poly(ethylene-styrene) interpolymer made by metallocenecatalysts, using single site, constrained geometry additionpolymerization catalysts including terpolymers ofpoly(ethylene/styrene/propylene), poly(ethylene/styrene/4-methyl-1pentene), poly(ethylene/styrene/hexend-1, ethylene/styrene/octene 1),poly(ethylene/styrene/norbornene), wherein said selected copolymer is alinear, radial, star-shaped, branched multiarm block copolymer or aninterpolymer, wherein n is greater than one; said article of fishingbait having a selected shape for presentation and use with a hook and aline.
 2. An article of fishing bait according to claim 1, wherein saidfoodstuff(s) comprises one or more amino acids, proteins, and lipids. 3.An article of fishing bait according to claim 1, wherein saidfoodstuff(s) comprises one or more foodstuff(s) selected from one ormore animal foodstuff(s), plant foodstuff(s), mold foodstuff(s), fungusfoodstuff(s), bacteria foodstuff(s), fish foodstuff(s), and algaefoodstuff(s) or one or more component(s) of said foodstuff(s).
 4. Anarticle of fishing bait according to claim 1, wherein said foodstuff(s)comprises one or more proteins, amino acids, lipids, blood, serum,hormones, and nitrogenous bases or one or more component(s) of saidfoodstuff(s).
 5. An article of fishing bait according to claim 1,wherein said foodstuff(s) being selected from one or more foodstuffs offish, algae, shark, crab, crayfish, sardine, brine shrimp, cuttlefish,squid, caddie, cheese, crayfish, cricket, fish egg, fish larvae, frog,grub, guppy, insect, lizard, lobworm, maggot, mayflies, minnow, nymph,redworm, reptiles, salamanders, shad, shrimp, krill, slug, snake, squid,pork, beef, chicken and worm or one or more component(s) offoodstuff(s).
 6. An article of fishing bait according to claim 1,wherein said foodstuff(s) selected from fish, shark, crab, crayfish,sardine, brine shrimp, cuttlefish, squid, caddie, cheese, crayfish,cricket, fish egg, fish larvae, frog, grub, guppy, insect, lizard,lobworm, maggot, mayflies, minnow, nymph, redworm, reptiles,salamanders, shad, shrimp, krill, slug, snake, squid, pork, beef,chicken and worm or one or more component(s) of said foodstuff(s).
 7. Anarticle of fishing bait according to claim 1, wherein said foodstuff(s)being one or more fish foodstuff extractive comprising fish proteins,fish amino acids, fish lipids, fish blood, fish hormones, and fishnitrogenous bases or one or more component(s) of foodstuff(s).
 8. Anarticle of fishing bait according to claim 1, wherein said being one ormore foodstuff(s) selected from ocean foodstuff, fresh water foodstuff,plant foodstuff, animal foodstuff, bacteria foodstuff, fungus foodstuff,algae foodstuff, cultured foodstuff, and insect foodstuff or one or morecomponent(s) of said foodstuff(s).
 9. An article of fishing baitaccording to claim 1, wherein said soft gelatinous elastomer compositionis formed in combination with or without a selected amount of one ormore internal or external additives comprising metallic flakes, titaniumdioxide, mica, silicone fluids, silicon dioxide, salt(s), glass, wax,antioxidant, erucamide, N,N′-ethylenebisstearamide,N,N′ethylenebisoleamide, sterryl erucamide, erucyl erucamide, andfibers.
 10. An article of fishing bait according to claim 1, whereinsaid soft gelatinous elastomer composition is formed in combination witha selected minor amount of one or more block copolymers ofpoly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene),poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), poly(styreneethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, polypropylene,polyethylene copolymers selected from ultra low densitypoly(ethylene-octene-1 copolymers) and copolymers of ethylene andhexene, poly(ethylene-styrene) interpolymer made by metallocenecatalysts, using single site, constrained geometry additionpolymerization catalysts including terpolymers ofpoly(ethylene/styrene/propylene), poly(ethylene/styrene/4-methyl-1pentene), poly(ethylene/styrene/hexend-1, ethylene/styrene/octane 1),and poly(ethylene/styrene/norbornene), wherein said selected copolymerbeing a linear, radial, star-shaped, branched multiarm block copolymeror an interpolymer, wherein n is greater than one.
 11. An article offishing bait according to claim 1, wherein said soft gelatinouselastomer composition is formed in combination with a selected minoramount of one or more polyethylene copolymers selected from ultra lowdensity poly(ethylene-octene-1 copolymers) and copolymers of ethyleneand hexene, poly(ethylene-styrene) interpolymer made by metallocenecatalysts, using single site, constrained geometry additionpolymerization catalysts including terpolymers ofpoly(ethylene/styrene/propylene), poly(ethylene/styrene/4-methyl-1pentene), poly(ethylene/styrene/hexend-1, ethylene/styrene/octene 1),and poly(ethylene/styrene/norbornene).
 12. An article of fishing baitaccording to claim 1, wherein said soft gelatinous elastomer compositionis formed in combination with a selected minor amount of one or morepolyethylene copolymers selected from ultra low densitypoly(ethylene-octene-1 copolymers) and copolymers of ethylene andhexene, poly(ethylene-styrene) interpolymer made by metallocenecatalysts, using single site, constrained geometry additionpolymerization catalysts.
 13. An article of fishing bait according toclaim 1, wherein said soft gelatinous elastomer composition is formed incombination with a selected minor amount of one or more block copolymersof poly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene),poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), poly(styreneethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, polypropylene, andpolyethylene copolymers selected from ultra low densitypoly(ethylene-octene-1 copolymers) and copolymers of ethylene andhexene, poly(ethylene-styrene) interpolymer made by metallocenecatalysts, using single site, constrained geometry additionpolymerization catalysts, wherein said selected block copolymer being alinear, radial, star-shaped, branched multiarm block copolymer or aninterpolymer, wherein n is greater than one.
 14. An article of fishingbait according to claim 1, wherein said soft gelatinous elastomercomposition comprises (I) 100 parts by weight of one or more of ahydrogenated controlled distribution styrene block copolymer(s) selectedfrom SEBS, and SEB/SEBS, and SEBn, wherein said hydrogenated controlleddistribution styrene block copolymer(s) being a linear, radial,star-shaped, branched or multiarm copolymer, wherein n is greater thanone; (II) one or more selected plasticizers of a first plasticizer withor without a second plasticizer being in sufficient amounts to achieve agel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom; with(III) a minor amounts of one or more foodstuff(s) or one or morecomponent(s) of foodstuff(s); and is formed in combination with aselected minor amount of one or more block copolymers ofpoly(styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene),poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), poly(styreneethylene-butylene)n, polystyrene, polybutylene, polypropylene, andpolyethylene copolymers selected from ultra low densitypoly(ethylene-octene-1 copolymers) and copolymers of ethylene andhexene, poly(ethylene-styrene) interpolymer made by metallocenecatalysts, using selected block copolymer being a linear, radial,star-shaped, branched multiarm block copolymer or an interpolymer,wherein n is greater than one.